go to ground

USAGE SUMMARY

'go to ground' is an expression used in written English.
It usually means to hide from view, such as when a hunted animal goes to the ground to hide from predators. For example, "The soldier quickly went to ground when bullets started whizzing by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the late afternoon, she will go to ground zero.

The New York Times

He didn't go to ground; he just ran into Noboa.

The Guardian - Sport

Arjen Robben was not slow to go to ground either.

The Guardian - Sport

Torres, of course, claimed he was kicked and had no option but to go to ground.

The New York Times - Sports

More policemen volunteered to go to ground zero than we could possibly send.

The New York Times

But perhaps it wasn't only being badgered that made Lee go to ground.

The Guardian - Books

"Some Al Qaeda in Iraq leadership did go to ground," he said.

The New York Times

Eventually, the media move on and the person in question may go to ground.

The Guardian

How quickly do I go to ground and present the ball?

The Guardian - Sport

Should we go to ground zero or to the beach that she loved?

The New York Times - Health

He's smart enough to go to ground at the end, too, avoiding a potential hit.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go to ground" when describing a deliberate act of concealment, either to avoid detection or to escape a difficult situation. It's particularly effective when the subject is actively being sought or facing scrutiny.

Common error

Avoid using "go to ground" in literal contexts where something simply falls to the ground. This idiom carries a specific connotation of hiding or retreating, not merely descending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go to ground" functions as an idiomatic phrasal verb. It typically describes an action taken to avoid detection or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI highlights, it can refer to hiding from public view or escaping into a burrow, hole, etc. when being hunted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go to ground" is a common phrasal verb that means to hide or disappear, often to avoid detection or scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its established use and grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sports contexts, the phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for general audiences. When writing, remember that this phrase describes a deliberate act of concealment, and consider alternatives like "go into hiding" or "lie low" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go into hiding

Similar to "go to ground" but emphasizes the intent to remain hidden for an extended period.

lie low

Suggests a temporary period of inactivity to avoid attention or trouble, more informal than "go to ground".

disappear from view

Focuses on the act of vanishing, similar to hiding but can also imply becoming less noticeable.

retreat from sight

Emphasizes withdrawing from a visible position, suggesting a strategic move to avoid detection.

withdraw from public life

Implies a deliberate decision to step away from the public eye, often used for celebrities or politicians.

hide oneself

A more general term for concealing one's presence, lacks the specific connotation of seeking refuge.

take cover

Implies seeking protection from immediate danger, often used in military or emergency contexts.

duck out of sight

Suggests a quick, evasive movement to avoid being seen, often in a specific situation.

become reclusive

Indicates a withdrawal from social interaction, suggesting a lifestyle change rather than a temporary action.

sequester oneself

Formal and emphasizes isolation, often for a specific purpose like writing or contemplation.

FAQs

What does it mean to "go to ground"?

To "go to ground" means to retreat, hide, or disappear, often to avoid detection or scrutiny. It can apply to people, animals, or even information.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "go to ground"?

It's appropriate when describing a deliberate act of concealment or withdrawal, particularly when someone is actively being sought or facing unwanted attention. Consider using "lie low" or "go into hiding" as alternatives.

What are some alternatives to saying "go to ground"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "disappear from view", "retreat from sight", or "become reclusive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "go to ground" formal or informal?

The phrase "go to ground" falls somewhere in the middle of the formality spectrum. It's not overly formal or technical, but it's also not strictly slang. It would be appropriate in many news and media contexts.