The phrase "doth on the sly" is an idiomatic expression derived from early modern English language. It consists of two primary components: "doth" and "on the sly."
"Doth" is an archaic third-person singular present tense of the verb "do," commonly used in early modern English. It signifies the act of performing an action or engaging in an activity.
"On the sly" is a colloquial phrase that describes the action of doing something secretly or covertly, without others noticing or being aware of it. It implies a sense of furtiveness, clandestineness, or surreptitiousness.
When combined, "doth on the sly" conveys the idea of performing an action discreetly, hiding it from others or executing it in a manner that avoids detection. It implies a behavior that is intentionally concealed, often due to a desire to avoid suspicion, judgment, or consequences.
This phrase is often used to describe actions that are done in a sneaky or shifty manner, characterized by an element of deception or secrecy. It suggests a sense of caution or subterfuge in executing the action, typically indicating that the person involved may have ulterior motives, or that the activity is not morally or socially acceptable.
Overall, "doth on the sly" encapsulates the notion of engaging in a covert or concealed action, expressed in an antiquated form of English language, thereby transporting the readers or listeners into a historical linguistic context.
