crack the code

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'crack the code' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in any context where someone needs to solve a secret code or indecipherable message. For example, "The police were trying to crack the code of the suspects' encrypted messaging app."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Will Ruby crack the code in time?

The Guardian

But you can't crack the code by yourself.

The New Yorker

But Elaine is determined to crack the code.

The New Yorker

"If something is encoded, you can crack the code".

The New Yorker

Researchers are still trying to crack the code.

The New Yorker

But despite this, few companies seem to crack the code.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"They cracked the code".

The New York Times

I cracked the code".

The New York Times - Arts

They've cracked the code.

The New York Times

DAVID CARR He cracked the code.

The New York Times - Tech

The group never cracked the code.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crack the code" when you want to convey the idea of solving a complex problem or deciphering a hidden message.

Common error

Avoid using "crack the code" in literal contexts where something is physically being broken. The idiom is best suited for abstract problems or puzzles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack the code" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression, signifying the act of successfully deciphering or solving something complex or mysterious. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It can be used in various contexts, from literal code-breaking to understanding abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crack the code" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that signifies solving a complex problem or deciphering a hidden message. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. The phrase carries a neutral register and is used to convey the achievement of understanding after overcoming intellectual challenges. Related phrases include "decipher the message", "solve the puzzle", and "figure out the key". When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the abstract nature of problem-solving, rather than literal breaking. With its versatile usage and clear meaning, "crack the code" remains a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decipher the message

Focuses on understanding a specific written or symbolic communication.

solve the puzzle

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect, often in a recreational or intellectual context.

break the cipher

Specifically refers to breaking an encrypted message or system.

figure out the key

Highlights the need to find the essential element that unlocks understanding.

understand the secret

Shifts the focus to uncovering hidden information or knowledge.

unravel the mystery

Implies a more complex and potentially obscure situation.

get to the bottom of

Suggests a thorough investigation to discover the truth.

find the solution

General term for resolving a problem or answering a question.

decipher the enigma

Implies something deeply mysterious that needs deciphering.

unlock the secret

Like 'understand the secret', but focuses on unlocking rather than understanding

FAQs

How can I use "crack the code" in a sentence?

You can use "crack the code" when you want to say that someone has managed to find a solution to a complex or mysterious problem. For instance, "The detective finally managed to "crack the code" and solve the case".

What does it mean to "crack the code"?

To "crack the code" means to successfully decipher a secret message, understand a complex system, or find a solution to a difficult problem. It implies overcoming a significant challenge to gain understanding.

Which is correct: "cracked the code" or "crack the code"?

Both "cracked the code" and "crack the code" are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Cracked the code" is in the past tense (e.g., "She cracked the code yesterday"), while "crack the code" is in the present or future tense (e.g., "We need to "crack the code" to access the data").

What can I say instead of "crack the code"?

Alternatives to "crack the code" include "solve the puzzle", "decipher the message", or "figure out the key", depending on the specific context.