gilded cage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gilded cage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is trapped in a comfortable or luxurious environment but lacks true freedom. 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

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That gilded cage, that domestic prison.

The Guardian - Opinion

From this gilded cage, Schiaparelli's flights of fancy seem a merciful escape.

The New York Times - Books

Somebody's mother or sister playing "A Bird in a Gilded Cage" off of sheet music.

The New Yorker

Natalia Tena's Fevvers begins as a voluptuously decorative, music-hall icon singing "I'm Only A Bird In A Gilded Cage".

The Guardian

On the other hand, Philius doesn't really have the brains to be manipulative; he's a little cooing bird who would be perfectly happy in somebody else's gilded cage.

The New Yorker

Troy Soos has a terrific story to tell in THE GILDED CAGE (Kensington, $23).

The New York Times - Books

Forget about a gilded cage.

The New York Times - Arts

In like some kind of gilded cage".

The Guardian

Kaoru saw the place as a gilded cage.

The New Yorker

Life outside the gilded cage suddenly looked grimly imprisoning.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The bird was caught and put in a gilded cage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gilded cage" to describe situations where outward appearances suggest comfort and privilege, but where underlying restrictions or lack of freedom exist.

Common error

Avoid using "gilded cage" simply to describe luxurious environments. The key element is the presence of confinement or lack of true freedom despite the outward comfort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gilded cage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, indicating its established presence in the English language. It is often used metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gilded cage" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a seemingly luxurious environment that is, at its core, restrictive and lacking true freedom. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically sound and readily usable. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, the phrase serves to highlight irony and elicit empathy. When writing, it's crucial to remember that it's not just about luxury; confinement is key. Alternatives include "luxurious prison" or "comfortable trap", but "golden handcuffs" specifically relates to financial constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

luxurious prison

Focuses more on the restrictive aspect, emphasizing the lack of freedom despite comfort.

ornate confinement

Highlights the elaborate and decorative nature of the restricting environment.

comfortable trap

Emphasizes the deceptive ease and hidden restriction of the situation.

golden handcuffs

Specifically refers to financial incentives that restrict someone's freedom, often in a job.

privileged captivity

Highlights the contradiction between privilege and the state of being captive.

plush prison

Emphasizes the high quality and comfort level of the restrictive environment.

velvet cell

Uses metaphorical language to portray a comfortable but confining space.

easy imprisonment

Highlights the paradoxical nature of a seemingly easy or pleasant form of imprisonment.

gilded isolation

Focuses on the loneliness and separation that can accompany a life of luxury and confinement.

comfortable constraint

Directly points out the balance between ease and limitation in the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "gilded cage" to describe a situation that appears luxurious and comfortable but is, in reality, restrictive and confining. For example, "She lived in a mansion, but it felt like a "gilded cage" because she couldn't pursue her passions."

What can I say instead of "gilded cage"?

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

What's the difference between "gilded cage" and "golden handcuffs"?

"Golden handcuffs" specifically refer to financial incentives that restrict someone's freedom, often in a job. "Gilded cage" is a broader term that can apply to any situation where outward comfort masks an underlying lack of freedom.

Is "gilded cage" a positive or negative term?

"Gilded cage" is generally a negative term. While it acknowledges the presence of comfort or luxury, it emphasizes the lack of freedom and the restrictive nature of the situation. It implies that the apparent benefits are not worth the underlying constraints.