hidden in a stack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden in a stack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is concealed or not easily visible within a collection or group of items, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The important documents were hidden in a stack of old papers on the desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Where her boyfriend never seemed to go or remember going, she was able to create secret stashes of things she would just as soon keep to herself: junk food hidden in a stack of mixing bowls in a kitchen cupboard; old photographs stowed in a box at the back of the bedroom closet; extravagant purchases tucked behind the couch.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Next to the bedroom: his "man" room, which has a billiards table, shelves lined with medical journals and his office with a laptop computer and an messy stack of papers–hidden in a deep closet, which allowing him to close the door and hide the clutter.

Forbes

They often seem to be hidden in a "black box".

BMC Health Services Research

After all, no one has the slightest idea how many future violations lie hidden in the stacks and few want to play a guessing game about how seriously officialdom will view illegality.

Forbes

Mr. Brin said the settlement would allow Google to offer widespread access to millions of books that are largely hidden in the stacks of university libraries.

The New York Times - Tech

Fantasyland has a reputation among record enthusiasts for being overpriced and not worth the drive out to Buckhead, but because it is off the well-worn collectors' track and because it is pricey, there are often amazing records hidden in the stacks that would not last two minutes in the new-arrival bins of Wuxtry or Wax N Facts.

Vice

FANTASYLAND Fantasyland has a reputation among record enthusiasts for being overpriced and not worth the drive out to Buckhead, but because it is off the well-worn collectors' track and because it is pricey, there are often amazing records hidden in the stacks that would not last two minutes in the new-arrival bins of Wuxtry or Wax N Facts.

Vice

His lawyer and family say an explanation for Mr. Acevedo's decision to flee is hidden in stacks of decades-old court documents that show Brooklyn prosecutors withheld evidence that resulted in a longer imprisonment than he deserved.

The New York Times

Who knows how long this papery wisp lay hidden in the musty stacks at the century-old Hay Library?

The New York Times

In my last post, I explained the motherlode of innovation hidden in the huge stacks of patents and discoveries backlogged at our universities and research labs.

TechCrunch

After Bridget says she found an empty bottle of whipped cream hidden behind a stack of DVDs in her teenage daughter's room, she decided to do a little snooping.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hidden in a stack" to describe something that is intentionally concealed or difficult to find due to its placement among a collection of similar items. This phrase is effective when you want to create a sense of mystery or discovery.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden in a stack" to describe abstract concepts or non-physical items. The phrase implies a physical concealment among tangible objects, and using it metaphorically can sound awkward. Consider using "obscured" or "overlooked" for abstract contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden in a stack" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating the location or manner of concealment. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in describing physical objects concealed within a pile or collection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hidden in a stack" is a prepositional phrase that describes something being concealed within a pile or collection of items. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts like news reports, scientific articles, and even academic papers. While it implies a physical concealment, it is essential to avoid its misuse with abstract concepts. Related phrases such as "concealed within a pile" and "buried in a heap" offer similar meanings while adjusting the emphasis. Overall, "hidden in a stack" is a useful phrase for conveying that something is not easily visible due to its placement among similar items, adding a touch of mystery or intrigue to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concealed within a pile

Replaces "stack" with "pile", emphasizing the unstructured nature of the collection.

buried in a heap

Substitutes "stack" with "heap", suggesting a disorganized accumulation.

hidden among the layers

Focuses on the layered arrangement rather than a specific type of collection.

obscured by a mound

Replaces the idea of "stack" with "mound", referring to an artificial hill or elevation.

lost within the array

Shifts the focus to the difficulty of finding something in an organized display.

secreted in a collection

Uses a more formal verb, "secreted", to emphasize the act of hiding something.

camouflaged by a group

Emphasizes the deceptive aspect of hiding something by blending it with similar items.

sheltered behind an accumulation

Highlights the protective aspect of being hidden behind a buildup of items.

nested amongst the assemblage

Implies a comfortable or secure hiding place within a gathered collection.

ensconced within a store

Suggests a safe and secluded hiding spot within a supply or reservoir of items.

FAQs

How can I use "hidden in a stack" in a sentence?

You can use "hidden in a stack" to describe something concealed within a collection of items. For instance, "The valuable documents were hidden in a stack of old newspapers."

What's a good alternative to "hidden in a stack"?

Alternatives include "concealed within a pile", "buried in a heap", or "lost within the array", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'hidden on a stack' instead of "hidden in a stack"?

While "on a stack" might be grammatically correct in some situations, "hidden in a stack" is generally preferred when describing something concealed within the bulk of a collection rather than just resting on top.

What does "hidden in a stack" imply about the item being hidden?

"Hidden in a stack" suggests that the item is not easily visible and requires some searching or rummaging to find. It implies a deliberate attempt to conceal or obscure the item among similar objects.