go underground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go underground" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to hide or become hidden, often to avoid attention or trouble. Example: "After the scandal erupted, the politician had to go underground to avoid the media frenzy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others might go underground.

The New York Times

"They go underground.

The New York Times

Or they go underground.

Independent

Girls go underground.

The New York Times

Now affirmative action will go underground.

The Economist

"And so they go underground".

The New York Times

After that, he seemed to go underground.

The Guardian - Film

When you ban, people go underground.

The Guardian

But they're pushing us to go underground.

The New York Times

"They go underground to the cosmic frame".

The New York Times

She also suggests that teenagers go underground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go underground" to describe a deliberate act of concealment, whether physical or metaphorical, especially when avoiding detection or scrutiny is the primary intention.

Common error

Avoid using "go underground" to merely describe moving to a lower level or basement. The phrase implies an element of secrecy or evasion, not just a change in physical location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go underground" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies hiding or becoming hidden. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe people avoiding authorities or activities becoming secret.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go underground" is a common and grammatically sound expression meaning to hide or operate secretly, often to evade detection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Analysis reveals its prevalence in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in discussing current events and societal issues. While predominantly neutral in tone, its impact relies on the implication of concealment and evasion. For alternative phrasing consider phrases like "disappear from view" or "keep a low profile" to fine-tune your meaning. Avoid confusing its figurative sense with literal movements, maintaining clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lie low

Implies hiding or remaining inactive to avoid detection or trouble.

disappear from view

Focuses on the act of ceasing to be visible, emphasizing the disappearance aspect.

keep a low profile

Focuses on avoiding attention and staying out of the public eye.

become invisible

Highlights the act of becoming unnoticed or undetectable.

vanish without a trace

Emphasizes the complete disappearance, leaving no evidence behind.

move into the shadows

Emphasizes a shift towards obscurity and concealment.

operate secretly

Highlights the aspect of conducting activities in a clandestine manner.

take cover

Suggests seeking shelter or protection, often from danger or scrutiny.

secrete oneself

A more formal way of saying to hide oneself, suggesting a deliberate act of concealment.

retreat from sight

Focuses on withdrawing from public view, suggesting a strategic withdrawal.

FAQs

How can I use "go underground" in a sentence?

You can use "go underground" to describe someone hiding to avoid detection, like "After the scandal, the CEO had to go underground." It can also describe illegal activities, as in "The illegal gambling operation was forced to go underground."

What does it mean to "go underground"?

"Go underground" means to hide or operate secretly, often to avoid detection by authorities or the public. It implies a deliberate effort to become less visible or to conceal activities.

What can I say instead of "go underground"?

Alternatives include "disappear from view", "keep a low profile", or "operate secretly", depending on the specific context.

Is "go underground" formal or informal?

"Go underground" is generally considered a neutral to informal phrase. It's suitable for news reports and general conversation but might be less appropriate in highly formal academic or business writing.