in cahoots
Meaning
Working together closely, often secretly and usually for something dishonest or questionable.
Origin
Recorded in American English from the early 1800s. “Cahoot” likely came from French/Creole sources such as French “cahute” (“hut/cabin”), implying sharing quarters and thus being in league together; the exact origin is uncertain.
Notes
Often implies secret cooperation and usually wrongdoing. Works in informal speech and formal writing (news/legal), but can sound accusatory if used without evidence.
Examples
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The two managers were in cahoots to hide the budget shortfall.
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Investigators suspect the contractor was in cahoots with a city official.
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It felt like the kids were in cahoots when they all suddenly went quiet.
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The rival companies weren’t competing at all—they were in cahoots to fix prices.
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She realized her assistant was in cahoots with the thief after seeing the security footage.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used predicatively: “be in cahoots (with someone).” Rarely used as a noun outside the phrase. Fixed form; not *“in a cahoots.”
Synonyms
- in league (with)
- in collusion (with)
- conspiring
- in partnership (with)
Antonyms
- at odds
- on one's own
- independent
- uninvolved