a secret indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secret indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a personal pleasure or enjoyment that one keeps hidden from others, often due to its nature or societal perceptions. Example: "Every Friday night, I treat myself to a secret indulgence of chocolate cake, savoring each bite in solitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For years I have withstood the scorn of those who thought I was odd because I refused to give up what I thought was my secret indulgence.

The New York Times - Food

Those are our secret indulgences.

Huffington Post

Secret (or not-so-secret) indulgence..

Huffington Post

He developed a certain guilt sense about the novel because it wasn't winning bread for the family, and for a long time he kept this indulgence in purely speculative prose a secret from his wife.

The New Yorker

Debbie and Pete are both exercise freaks, but she's a secret smoker, and he's a not-so-secret cupcake eater, and each indulgence is treated as a taste of mortality.

The New Yorker

A secret.

The New York Times

There's a secret behind the secret.

The New York Times

"That is a secret.

Independent

Alice has a secret.

The New York Times - Books

It is a secret.

The Guardian

A secret dunce gene?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of guilt or shame when using this phrase, as it often implies that the indulgence is something that might be frowned upon by others.

Common error

Avoid using "a secret indulgence" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Opt for synonyms or more descriptive language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a secret indulgence" is as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and describes a specific type of indulgence, one that is kept hidden. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is used in various contexts to denote a personal pleasure.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

33%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a secret indulgence" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a hidden or private pleasure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, generally carrying a neutral to slightly informal tone. While not exceedingly common, its effectiveness lies in its ability to add depth to writing by hinting at personal quirks or vulnerabilities. If you're seeking alternatives, consider options like "a guilty pleasure" or "a hidden delight" for nuanced variations in meaning. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media or general writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A guilty pleasure

Highlights the feeling of guilt associated with enjoying the indulgence.

A hidden delight

Replaces 'indulgence' with 'delight' for a lighter, more innocent connotation.

A concealed enjoyment

Replaces 'indulgence' with 'enjoyment' for a more general term, while maintaining the secrecy aspect.

A clandestine treat

Replaces 'secret' with 'clandestine' and 'indulgence' with 'treat' to convey a sense of excitement and forbidden pleasure.

A surreptitious luxury

Emphasizes the luxurious aspect of the indulgence, while also highlighting its hidden nature.

A private vice

Emphasizes the secretive and potentially negative aspect of the indulgence.

A treasured escape

Frames the indulgence as a means of escaping from reality or stress.

A personal weakness

Focuses on the indulgence as a flaw or vulnerability.

My little secret

Uses a more informal and personal tone to describe the hidden indulgence.

A covert desire

Shifts the focus to the underlying desire rather than the act of indulging.

FAQs

What does "a secret indulgence" mean?

It refers to a pleasure or activity that someone enjoys privately, often because they feel it might be judged or disapproved of by others. It suggests a hidden or concealed source of enjoyment.

What can I say instead of "a secret indulgence"?

You can use alternatives like "a guilty pleasure", "a hidden delight", or "a private vice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a secret indulgence"?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically correct. "Secret" is an adjective modifying the noun "indulgence". The article "a" is used because "secret" starts with a consonant sound.

How do I use "a secret indulgence" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a specific activity or item, for example: "Watching reality TV is a secret indulgence that I only allow myself on weekends." Or you could use it more generally: "She considered her weekly spa treatment to be a secret indulgence that helped her cope with stress."