a gilded cage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gilded cage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is trapped in a luxurious or comfortable environment but lacks true freedom or happiness. Example: "Although she lived in a beautiful mansion, she often felt like she was in a gilded cage, unable to pursue her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Forget about a gilded cage.

The New York Times - Arts

Kaoru saw the place as a gilded cage.

The New Yorker

The bird was caught and put in a gilded cage.

The New York Times

This is the place that John Paul II called "a gilded cage".

Independent

"A gilded cage is still a cage," the supreme court ruled.

The Guardian

Hitchcock's attempts to keep Hedren in a gilded cage arguably ruined her career.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Moving from apiary to aviary, Thakoon's Miro-inspired collection opened with a dress in the manner of a giant gilded cage, its curvature mirroring the proportions of the body and populated by birds and butterflies flitting around the boughs of a cherry tree.

Independent

In summary, our results appear to confirm the idea that the parental family is a sort of "gilded cage" for young Italians, who perform only a small quantity of daily unpaid work and benefit from the care and attention of their parents (above all, mothers), which presumably makes their life at home very comfortable in this respect.

Genus

It is a strange sort of gilded cage.

The New York Times

In contrast, the middle sister, Sonia (Emmanuelle Beart), has escaped to the gilded cage of a proper, sterile bourgeois marriage to a snobbish stockbroker whom Stanislas, who is Jewish, insists is a closet fascist.

The New York Times

Swinton stars as Emma, wife to the son, mother to the grandson; a Russian emigre who bends the bars of her gilded cage when she begins an affair with a chef.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gilded cage" when you want to convey the idea that someone is living in luxurious or comfortable conditions but lacks true freedom or fulfillment. It's effective for describing situations where outward appearances are deceiving.

Common error

Avoid using "a gilded cage" simply to describe wealth or comfort. The key element is the lack of freedom or the feeling of being trapped, despite the positive external circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gilded cage" primarily functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. It acts as a descriptive label for situations or environments that appear outwardly attractive but entail a lack of freedom. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English, based on the wide collection of examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a gilded cage" is a well-established and frequently used idiom that effectively conveys the concept of confinement masked by luxury. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its strength lies in its ability to succinctly express the idea that outward appearances can be deceiving, and that true freedom and fulfillment cannot be guaranteed by material wealth alone. While the phrase sees its most prevalent use in News & Media contexts, its presence in Wiki and Scientific sources also indicates a broader understanding and applicability. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a situation where the lack of freedom or autonomy is a significant element, and do not simply use it to describe comfort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

luxurious prison

Focuses more explicitly on the lack of freedom, emphasizing the restrictive nature of the comfortable environment.

plush prison

Combines the ideas of luxury and imprisonment in a straightforward way.

privileged captivity

Highlights the contrast between the advantages and the lack of autonomy.

ornate confinement

Highlights the elaborate and decorative nature of the restrictive space.

comfortable trap

Emphasizes the deceptive ease and hidden limitations of the situation.

glamorous confinement

Highlights the allure and superficial appeal of the restrictive environment.

golden handcuffs

Specifically refers to financial incentives that bind someone to a job or situation they might otherwise leave.

velvet rut

Suggests a comfortable but unfulfilling routine or situation.

isolated paradise

Suggests a beautiful but lonely and disconnected environment.

gilded existence

Implies a superficial and perhaps deceptive richness in life.

FAQs

What does the idiom "a gilded cage" mean?

The idiom "a gilded cage" refers to a situation where someone lives in luxury and comfort but lacks true freedom or happiness. It implies that the person is trapped despite their seemingly privileged circumstances.

How can I use "a gilded cage" in a sentence?

You can use "a gilded cage" to describe environments or situations that appear desirable but are actually restrictive. For example, "Although she lived in a mansion, she felt like she was in "a gilded cage", unable to pursue her own dreams."

What are some alternatives to saying "a gilded cage"?

You can use alternatives like "luxurious prison", "ornate confinement", or "comfortable trap" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a gilded cage" in formal writing?

Yes, "a gilded cage" is appropriate for use in formal writing. While it's an idiom, it's widely understood and can add depth to your descriptions, particularly in news, media, and academic contexts.