bei Nacht und Nebel
Translation
under the cover of darkness, in secret, clandestinely
Examples
Er hat die Stadt bei Nacht und Nebel verlassen.
He left the city under the cover of darkness.
Grammar Patterns
bei Nacht und Nebel + verb: to do sth. under the cover of darkness He left the city bei Nacht und Nebel.
Similar Words
secretly, covertly, stealthily
Etymology
Literally means 'by night and fog'. The combination of darkness and poor visibility from fog creates the perfect cover for secret actions.
Memory Tips
Imagine a secret agent escaping 'by night and fog'. The literal translation paints a clear picture of the idiom's meaning.