Cahoot is a term almost exclusively found and understood within the idiomatic phrase "in cahoots," which refers to an alliance or partnership, typically suggesting a secret or conspiring collaboration.
Understanding "In Cahoots"
While "cahoot" itself rarely appears independently, its significance is entirely tied to the common expression "in cahoots." This phrase effectively means that individuals are working together, often in a covert or mischievous manner.
Key Aspects of "In Cahoots":
- Partnership or Alliance: At its core, being "in cahoots" signifies a collaboration between two or more parties.
- Conspiratorial Undertones: Crucially, the phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying that the alliance is for secretive, illicit, or ethically questionable activities. It frequently describes people "up to no good."
- Informal Usage: It's a colloquial expression, commonly used in everyday speech rather than formal writing.
Common Usage and Examples
The phrase "in cahoots" vividly describes a situation where individuals are colluding. Here are some examples to illustrate its use:
- "The two rivals were surprisingly in cahoots over the new business deal, raising many suspicions."
- "The kids were clearly in cahoots to hide the broken vase from their parents."
- "Police suspected the store manager was in cahoots with the thieves, providing them inside information."
Key Characteristics of "In Cahoots"
To further clarify, here's a breakdown of the phrase's defining attributes:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Usage | Almost exclusively used within the phrase "in cahoots." |
| Core Meaning | Denotes an alliance, partnership, or collaboration. |
| Common Connotation | Often implies a secretive, conspiring, or mischievous intent, frequently "up to no good." |
| Grammatical Role | "Cahoots" acts as a plural noun in the idiom, always preceded by "in." |
| Tone | Informal and colloquial. |
For more detailed information, you can refer to the definition of cahoot on Merriam-Webster.
