Word to the Wise: Sub Rosa

"Sub rosa" (sub ROH-zuh) – Latin for "under the rose" – means secret or private. The phrase comes from an ancient legend associating roses with confidentiality.

Example (as used by Stephen Metcalf in the New York Observer): "The atmosphere of gloom and dislocation only thickened, though, and Marty found himself in over his head in a world of shadowy fixers, sub-rosa deputies of the CIA and the mob."

[Ed. Note: Become a more persuasive writer and speaker … build your self-confidence and intellect … increase your attractiveness to others … just by spending 10 VERY enjoyable minutes a day with ETR’s new Words to the Wise CD Library.]