under the covers
The phrase "under the covers" can be used both literally and figuratively to describe being in bed or doing something secretly.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
A2Daily Life
(literal, informal)Beneath the bedclothes or blankets, usually referring to being in bed.
Example
- I'm not going out tonight—I'm already in my pajamas and under the covers!
B2General
(idiomatic, informal)In a hidden or secretive manner.
Example
- The change has been electric for young gay people, for the first time it has become something that isn't pushed under the covers.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "under the covers":
under the carpetunder the tableunder the counterin bed withunder wrapsin the closetcover upin bedin disguisebehind the curtainin the darkbehind closed doorsdown underhide awayon the down-lowhide behindsub rosaunder glasscover storyunder hatchesdown lowbreak coverunder canvas