Illegal Activities Vocabulary

adjective denoting something that is kept secret or done secretly, often because it is illicit

• The espionage agency conducted a clandestine operation to gather intelligence.
• They had a clandestine meeting behind closed doors.
• They were up to some shady, clandestine business.
• The clandestine whispers of the trees in the wind seemed to hold secrets of the past.

noun a slippery or oily substance

verb to bribe or pay someone in order to gain favor or influence

• It is unethical to grease the palm of government officials in exchange for favors.
• I heard that some people try to grease the palm of the security guards to get into the event without a ticket.
• I'll grease the palm of the bouncer to let us skip the line at the club.
• Sometimes you need to grease the palm of fate to get the luck on your side.

noun a member of a criminal gang, especially a mafia

• The mobster was arrested for his involvement in illegal activities.
• I heard that mobster got busted for running a gambling ring.
• That mobster is one shady character, watch your back around him.
• The ruthless businessman was like a mobster in a suit, always looking for ways to make a profit at any cost.

noun the light of the moon

• Moonshine refers to any kind of distilled alcohol that is made in an unlicensed and illegal manner.
• My grandpa used to make his own moonshine in the backyard.
• Let's sneak some moonshine into the party and have a good time.
• The moonshine danced on the water, creating a beautiful reflection.

noun a person who procures or obtains something, especially illegally or by deceit

• The procurer was responsible for obtaining the necessary supplies for the project.
• The procurer always knows where to find the best deals in town.
• The procurer hooked us up with some top-notch merchandise.
• She was a skilled procurer of information, always knowing where to look for the latest news.

noun A person who hides on a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle in order to travel without paying or being seen

verb To hide or store something away in a secret or secure place

• The crew discovered a stowaway hiding in the cargo hold of the ship.
• I heard that someone tried to stow away on the train last night.
• I can't believe he managed to stow away in the back of the truck without anyone noticing.
• She always tries to stow away her emotions, but eventually they come pouring out.

noun a place where prostitutes are available for hire; a brothel

• The authorities conducted a raid on the suspected whorehouse in the downtown area.
• I heard that there's a new whorehouse opening up on the outskirts of town.
• I can't believe he spent all his money at that whorehouse last night.
• The corporate office was described as a whorehouse due to the unethical practices happening behind closed doors.

noun a tangible form of money, such as bills or coins

• The suspect was caught trying to smuggle cold cash across the border.
• I need some cold cash to pay for this concert ticket.
• I'm gonna need some cold cash if I want to buy those new sneakers.
• He was willing to do anything for success, even if it meant getting his hands on some cold cash.