go into hiding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go into hiding" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has chosen to remain completely hidden from view, temporarily, in order to avoid a threat or other undesirable situation. For example, you could say: "Frightened by the police search, the suspect decided to go into hiding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had to go into hiding.

Independent

Some cyber harassment victims go into hiding.

The Guardian - Books

Poor chap will have to go into hiding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some of the women were forced to go into hiding.

The New Yorker

After disposing of the body carelessly, they too must go into hiding.

The New York Times

Clumsy snooping alarmed the Eichmanns, though not enough to prompt them to go into hiding.

The Economist

The comedian quipped, "I want to do this monologue, then go into hiding.

Independent

Of asylum-seekers interviewed by Switzerland's language-analysis unit, 70% promptly go into hiding.

The Economist

"I'm going to do this monologue and then go into hiding.

Independent

Now, he said, they might be more likely to go into hiding.

The Washington Post

In recent weeks, other doxxings have led some far-right figures to go into hiding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go into hiding" to describe a situation where someone deliberately conceals themselves to avoid a specific threat or undesirable situation. For example, "After the scandal broke, the CEO had to go into hiding to avoid the media frenzy."

Common error

Avoid using similar phrases like "disappear" or "hide" without considering the nuance. "Go into hiding" implies a deliberate and often strategic act of concealment, typically in response to a specific threat or unwanted attention. Using a more generic term might not fully capture the intentionality of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go into hiding" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the act of deliberately concealing oneself, typically to avoid a threat or undesirable situation. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go into hiding" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that describes the act of deliberately concealing oneself to avoid a threat or unwanted attention. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various sources, including news and media, and Wikipedia, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a deliberate act of concealment in response to a specific threat. Consider alternatives such as "take refuge" or "seek concealment" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid confusing it with more generic terms like "hide", which may not fully capture the intentionality of the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take refuge

Implies seeking shelter and protection, often from danger or persecution.

go underground

Suggests joining a secret organization or operating covertly.

disappear from view

Focuses on the act of becoming unseen or unnoticed.

seek concealment

Highlights the deliberate effort to hide oneself.

go to ground

Similar to going into hiding, suggesting escape and concealment.

abscond

Implies fleeing, typically to avoid legal consequences.

seclude oneself

Emphasizes the act of withdrawing from society and seeking solitude.

lie low

Indicates a temporary state of inactivity and avoidance to escape attention.

seek anonymity

Focuses on obscuring one's identity to avoid recognition.

vanish from sight

Emphasizes the complete disappearance of someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "go into hiding" in a sentence?

You can use "go into hiding" to describe someone deliberately concealing themselves. For example, "After the whistleblower leaked the documents, they had to "go into hiding" to protect themselves from retaliation."

What are some alternatives to "go into hiding"?

Alternatives include phrases like "take refuge", "go underground", or "seek concealment", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "hide" or "go into hiding"?

"Hide" is a general term, while "go into hiding" suggests a more deliberate and strategic act of concealment, usually in response to a specific threat. The best choice depends on the level of detail you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "go into hiding"?

The phrase is appropriate when describing someone actively concealing themselves to avoid danger, legal repercussions, or unwanted attention. For instance, a fugitive might "go into hiding" to evade capture.