do something on the sly

on the sly

Secretly; in a clandestine or furtive manner. Even though he said he'd quit smoking, he still kept up the habit on the sly. The senator had been taking bribes from lobbyists on the sly for years before he was caught.
See also: on, sly
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

do something on the ˈsly

do something secretly: She didn’t seem to have much appetite for dinner. I wonder if she’s been eating chocolates on the sly? OPPOSITE: (out) in(to) the open
See also: on, sly, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • on the sly
  • spied
  • spies
  • spy
  • spy on
  • spy on (someone or something)
  • glance away
  • sneak up
  • sneak up (on someone or something)
  • sneak up on