sneak past
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To get through or successfully go around an inspection, guard or bureaucratic hurdle.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
It might be seen as inappropriate, but I'll sneak it past human resources.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “sneak past” mean?
To get through or successfully go around an inspection, guard or bureaucratic hurdle.
Is “sneak past” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.