smuggle

Everyday

1. To take goods or people secretly and illegally into or out of a country, avoiding laws or taxes. tree →
2. (informal) To take something secretly into or out of a place where it is not allowed: sneaking sweets into a cinema. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons smugglers in Cornwall and other coasts hid brandy, tea and tobacco to avoid taxes. In news, people-smuggling and drug-smuggling are serious crimes. In everyday jokes, children «smuggle» snacks into class or a pet into the house.

Examples

• Smugglers used caves to hide barrels of brandy. tree →
• It is a crime to smuggle animals across borders. tree →
• He smuggled a torch into bed to read his book. tree →
• They tried to smuggle the puppy into the house. tree →
• Customs officers caught a man smuggling fake watches. tree →
• We smuggled a cake into the classroom for the teacher's surprise party. tree →

Note

Regular verb; double g. Person: «smuggler»; act: «smuggling». «Smuggle in» and «smuggle out» are common. Don't confuse with «snuggle» (cuddle up).