klammheimlich
Translation
secretly, furtively, on the sly
Examples
Er hat sich klammheimlich davongeschlichen.
He secretly slunk away.
Sie trafen sich klammheimlich nach der Schule.
They met secretly after school.
Grammar Patterns
((as an adverb)) secretly, furtively Er hat sich klammheimlich davongeschlichen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: secretly, furtively, clandestinely; Antonyms: openly, publicly
Etymology
A compound of 'klamm' (here in an older sense of 'tightly' or 'secretly') and 'heimlich' (secretly). It's an intensifier for 'secretly'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as an intensified version of 'heimlich'. So secret, it makes you feel 'clammy' and nervous.