Here's a breakdown:
* Furtive: This implies something done in a hidden, stealthy, or sneaky manner. It suggests a desire to avoid notice or attention.
* Exultation: This refers to a feeling of great joy, triumph, or pride. It's a powerful emotion often associated with achievement or victory.
Putting these two together, "furtive exultation" paints a picture of someone who is secretly rejoicing about something. This could be due to:
* Fear of being judged: The person might be afraid of how others would react to their joy if they knew the source of it.
* A sense of guilt: The person might feel guilty about feeling triumphant, perhaps because they achieved their victory through questionable means.
* A desire for privacy: The person might simply want to savor their moment of joy without sharing it with others.
Examples of furtive exultation:
* A student who cheated on a test might secretly celebrate their high grade with a furtive exultation, afraid of being caught.
* A politician who won an election through a smear campaign might feel a furtive exultation at their victory, knowing the means by which they won were morally wrong.
* A thief who successfully stole a valuable artifact might experience furtive exultation, hiding their joy to avoid attracting attention.
Ultimately, "furtive exultation" is a fascinating paradox that captures the complex human experience of feeling both joy and shame at the same time.