gone to ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gone to ground" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has retreated from public life, typically during a time of trouble. For example, you might say "Ever since the scandal broke, the former governor has gone to ground and hasn't been seen in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He's gone to ground.

The New York Times

The Prime Minister has gone to ground.

Independent

Or have they simply gone to ground?

The New Yorker

He's gone to ground since the arrest.

The Guardian

The affair seems to have gone to ground for now.

The New Yorker

Many Vietnamese contacts had left or gone to ground.

The Guardian

Lehman's chief executive has gone to ground since September 2008.

The Guardian - Business

After the Thai coup, several politicians, academics and activists have gone to ground, or fled abroad.

The Economist

In 2010, Northumbria Police called Mears after Raoul Moat had gone to ground in woodland.

Independent

"I wouldn't have gone to ground if he hadn't hit me.

The Guardian - Sport

Many have gone to ground because of the current police operation in Karachi.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gone to ground", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It suggests not just absence but also a deliberate choice to avoid detection or public attention, often in response to pressure or controversy.

Common error

Avoid using "gone to ground" when simply describing someone's absence. The phrase implies a strategic retreat, not just a physical relocation or temporary unavailability. If someone is simply traveling, "gone to ground" would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Gone to ground" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, typically used as a past participle. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a state of being, indicating that someone or something has retreated from view or public life. For example, 'The suspect has gone to ground after the police raid'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "gone to ground" signifies a deliberate retreat from public life or visibility, often to evade scrutiny or trouble. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone and is widely understood. While alternatives like ""gone into hiding"" or ""kept a low profile"" offer similar meanings, the specific nuance of intentional concealment sets "gone to ground" apart. Remember that the phrase implies a strategic withdrawal, rather than simple absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gone into hiding

Implies actively seeking to avoid detection, often due to fear or guilt.

kept a low profile

Emphasizes avoiding attention and remaining discreet.

withdrawn from public view

Emphasizes a deliberate retreat from public attention.

retreated into seclusion

Highlights a withdrawal into a private and isolated space.

vanished without a trace

Indicates a complete and mysterious disappearance.

disappeared from sight

Focuses on the act of vanishing, without necessarily implying concealment or avoidance.

taken refuge

Focuses on seeking safety or protection, which may involve concealment.

dropped out of sight

Suggests a less deliberate disappearance, perhaps due to changing circumstances.

become inaccessible

Highlights the difficulty of reaching or contacting someone.

faded into obscurity

Implies a gradual loss of prominence or recognition.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone has "gone to ground"?

When someone has "gone to ground", it means they have withdrawn from public life or activity, often to avoid scrutiny or trouble. It suggests a deliberate retreat to a place of safety or concealment.

What are some alternative phrases for "gone to ground"?

You can use alternatives like "disappeared from sight", "gone into hiding", or "kept a low profile" depending on the specific context.

Is "gone to ground" a formal or informal expression?

"Gone to ground" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both news reports and informal conversations. However, in extremely formal or academic writing, more direct synonyms might be preferred.

How can I use "gone to ground" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the scandal broke, the CEO has "gone to ground" and hasn't made any public statements." This implies that the CEO is deliberately avoiding attention due to the scandal.