The phrase "am cahoots with" means being in secret collaboration with someone for a deceitful purpose. The spelling of the word "cahoots" is tricky, but it's pronounced as /kəˈhuːts/ (kuh-HOOTS) in IPA phonetic transcription. The word originated from the French "cohorte" meaning a group of soldiers, and it was anglicized to "cahoot" in the 19th century. Its current form with the "-s" was later added to create a plural form, although it is now commonly used as a singular noun.
To be "in cahoots with" someone means to be actively involved in a collaboration or secret partnership with them, often with an intent to engage in deceitful, fraudulent, or illegal activities. This idiomatic phrase denotes a close association between two or more individuals who cooperate in a covert or dishonest manner for their mutual benefit or advantage. The concept of being "in cahoots" sometimes suggests an element of conspiracy or shared responsibility in carrying out certain actions that may be illicit or morally questionable.
Encompassing a sense of collusion or complicity, this expression implies a clandestine arrangement between the involved parties, often characterized by deceit, scheming, or nefarious motives. The term can be applicable to contexts as diverse as business, politics, criminal activities, or any situation involving secret or unethical behavior. The individuals who are "in cahoots" exhibit a level of trust, understanding, and cooperation, which allow them to work together towards their shared objectives, ultimately deriving personal gain from their joint efforts.
The phrase "am cahoots with" is commonly used in everyday conversations, literature, and news reports to describe secretive partnerships or associations that involve unethical or illegal conduct. By employing this expression, speakers imply an affiliation or connection with another person or group to engage in activities that are potentially deceptive, dishonest, or harmful to others.