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Sub Rosa for Dummies

pronunciation: səb_'roʊzə

What does Sub Rosa really mean?

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Sub Rosa is a Latin phrase that consists of two words, "sub" and "rosa". When we break it down, "sub" means under or below, and "rosa" means rose. So, when we put them together, "sub rosa" translates to "under the rose". Now, you might be wondering, why would we use a flower like a rose to explain a phrase? Well, let me tell you a little story.

Imagine you are in a beautiful garden, surrounded by vibrant and fragrant roses. It’s a peaceful and serene place, just like your mind when it's understanding something new. In this garden, the rose represents something secret or confidential. Its petals wrap around an important message or information that needs to be kept hidden or private. Just like how the vibrant colors and delicate scent of a rose captivate our senses, a secret can also draw us in, making us curious and wanting to know more. So, when we say "sub rosa," we mean that something is happening secretly or behind closed doors.

Now, let's imagine a scenario to help you understand it better. Imagine you and I are playing a game, and we decide to make a secret plan. Since we don't want anyone else to know about our plan, we can say that we will discuss it "sub rosa". It means that we will talk about it privately, where no one else can listen and find out what we are planning to do.

But wait, there's more! Sometimes, "sub rosa" can also mean that something is happening in a hidden or symbolic way. It's like when you see a bunch of roses in a book or a painting. The roses might not be real, but they represent something important or meaningful. Just like the hidden message behind the rose petals, sometimes things can have a deeper, hidden meaning that we need to look for and understand.

So, to sum it up, "sub rosa" means something happening secretly, privately, or behind closed doors. It can also refer to something that has a hidden or symbolic meaning, just like a rose holding a secret message within its petals. Remember, just like the roses in that beautiful garden, our minds are always ready to uncover the hidden truths under the rose.


Revised and Fact checked by Emma Johnson on 2023-10-28 21:46:42

Sub Rosa In a sentece

Learn how to use Sub Rosa inside a sentece

  • They planned a surprise party for their friend sub rosa, without letting him know in advance.
  • The two detectives discussed the case sub rosa, keeping their conversation private and confidential.
  • The company had a sub rosa meeting to discuss their financial troubles and potential solutions.
  • The secret organization operates sub rosa, with members quietly conducting their activities behind closed doors.
  • The siblings shared their secret hiding spot sub rosa, promising not to reveal it to anyone else.