Legal Definitions - in cahoots

The phrase "in cahoots" describes a situation where two or more individuals or entities are working together, often secretly or in a clandestine manner, to achieve a shared objective. This term frequently carries an implication that the objective itself, or the methods used to achieve it, are questionable, illicit, or involve some form of improper collusion. It suggests a close, often surreptitious, partnership or alliance, typically for a purpose that might be viewed as unfair, dishonest, or illegal.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of "in cahoots":

• Business Collusion: During an investigation into market manipulation, regulators discovered that two seemingly rival technology companies were in cahoots. They had secretly agreed to divide the market and inflate prices for their products, effectively eliminating fair competition and harming consumers.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates "in cahoots" because the two companies were secretly collaborating (working together clandestinely) for an illicit purpose (market manipulation and price fixing), which is a form of improper collusion.

• Political Campaign Irregularities: A local newspaper reported suspicions that a city council member and a prominent real estate developer were in cahoots. The article alleged that the council member consistently voted in favor of the developer's projects, while the developer made significant, undisclosed donations to the council member's re-election campaign, suggesting an improper quid pro quo arrangement.

  Explanation: Here, "in cahoots" highlights the suspected secret partnership between the council member and the developer, where their actions (favorable votes and undisclosed donations) suggest a questionable, potentially illegal, exchange of favors for a shared, improper benefit.

• Academic Misconduct: When a university discovered that two students submitted identical essays for a major assignment, despite claiming to have worked independently, the disciplinary committee concluded they were clearly in cahoots. Both students faced penalties for academic dishonesty.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates "in cahoots" by showing two individuals secretly collaborating (working together to produce identical essays) for an illicit purpose (cheating on an assignment), which constitutes an improper alliance to gain an unfair advantage.