secret

Everyday

1. A secret is something you keep hidden and do not tell others. tree →
2. Secret means hidden or known by only a few people: «a secret door». tree →
3. The secret of something is the special way to do it well: «the secret of a good cake». tree →

In the lessons

a hidden or unknown number: «a secret number» to find; in safety: good secrets (a surprise party) are fine to keep, but bad secrets that make you feel scared or unsafe should be told to a trusted adult; in stories: secret passages, secret codes, secret agents; phrases: «keep a secret», «tell a secret», «in secret», «top secret»

Examples

• I think of a secret number, add 4 and get 11. tree →
• Find the secret number. tree →
• The secret code has 3 digits. tree →
• She kept the secret. tree →
• We planned a secret birthday party for Dad. tree →
• If a secret makes you feel bad, tell a trusted adult. tree →
• The old house had a secret passage behind the bookcase. tree →
• The secret of good bread is patience. tree →
• They met in secret behind the shed. tree →
• I will not tell your secret. tree →

Note

A secret number is unknown: undo the steps backwards (add 4 and get 11 → 11 − 4 = 7). Safety: a surprise is a good secret that ends soon; never keep secrets about being hurt. A code of 3 digits 0–9 has 1,000 possibilities.

In Jewish tradition

"Secret arts" are the hidden tricks of Egypt's magicians. "In secret" means wrongdoing done where nobody sees.

Interpretation. The curse against striking a neighbour "in secret" is read as a warning against slander and hidden harm. Tradition says God sees what people do in secret.

Examples

• Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour in secret. (Torah DEU.27.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the magicians did in like manner with their secret arts, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. (Torah EXO.8.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers; and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did in like manner with their secret arts. (Torah EXO.7.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• For He knoweth the secrets of the heart. (Writings PSA.44.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.' (Writings PRO.9.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Debate thy cause with thy neighbour, but reveal not the secret of another; (Writings PRO.25.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A secret number is unknown: undo the steps backwards (add 4 and get 11 → 11 − 4 = 7). Safety: a surprise is a good secret that ends soon; never keep secrets about being hurt. A code of 3 digits 0–9 has 1,000 possibilities.