hugger-mugger

/ˌhʌgər ˌˈmʌgər/

Definitions of hugger-mugger

1. noun

   a state of confusion
   “he engaged in the hugger-mugger of international finance”

   type of:

   confusion

   disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
2. adjective

   in utter disorder
   synonyms: disorderly, higgledy-piggledy, jumbled, topsy-turvy

   untidy

   not neat and tidy
3. adjective

   conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
   synonyms: clandestine, cloak-and-dagger, hole-and-corner, hush-hush, secret, surreptitious, undercover, underground

   covert

   secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed
4. adverb

   in secrecy
   “they did it all hugger-mugger”