Unix - example of execute access without read access?
Taken from why-do-directories-need-the-executable-x-permission-to-be-opened
When applying permissions to directories on Linux, the permission bits have different meanings than on regular files.
The write bit allows the affected user to create, rename, or delete files within the directory, and modify the directory's attributes
The read bit allows the affected user to list the files within the directory
The execute bit allows the affected user to enter the directory, and access files and directories inside
The sticky bit states that files and directories within that directory may only be deleted or renamed by their owner (or root)
So, if you give one of your directories execute access but not read access then affected user will be able to enter (cd) to the directory but will not be able to list the files within that directory.