hidden passages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden passages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to secret or concealed routes, often found in stories, games, or architectural contexts. Example: "The ancient castle was filled with hidden passages that led to secret rooms and treasures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

You discover hidden passages and the jail where Casanova was imprisoned.

The Guardian - Travel

She said she knew hidden passages she could have used if the crowd had pierced the gates.

The New York Times

Here players control the cutesy dinosaur and friend as they travail worlds built out of stretches of felt and fluffy wool, discovering hidden passages and collecting items.

The Guardian - Tech

I've always been a slave to intrigue — I was raised on a steady diet of Nancy Drew novels, and secret passwords, hidden passages and cryptic clues were my domain.

The New York Times

The trail is designed to reveal secret parts of the city: hidden passages, quiet courtyards and quirky finds, such as an old policeman's hook in Great Newport Street and a pair of life-sized ears on the wall in Floral Street.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Once inside the monastery, they locate hidden passages and rescue Sully, who survived thanks to Drake's diary blocking the bullet, and played along to fool his captors.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Ryan's irregular verse, Gioia explained, hid passages of regular metre, and flaunted its dense network of recurring sounds.

The Guardian - Books

All have a large central area, surrounded by passages, hidden rooms and jumping challenges giving access to crucial supply chests.

The Guardian - Tech

Like The Emigrants (his first), it held one's interest because any clues as to what was going to make the book work seemed likely to be hidden in the passages one was most tempted to skim.

The Guardian - Books

The interior of the main building is a maze of staircases, hidden rooms and passages which are great fun to explore.

Huffington Post

Some ANAL activists headed off to scout out a new squat elsewhere in the city, while their comrades milled around winding up the slab-faced security contractors in the doorway, asking about their steroid habits and pretending there were arsonists and knew about secret passages hidden throughout the empty building.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical settings or fictional worlds, use "hidden passages" to add an element of mystery and intrigue. For instance, "The old castle was rumored to contain "hidden passages" known only to a select few."

Common error

Avoid using "hidden passages" in contemporary, mundane scenarios where 'secret routes' or 'private access' might be more fitting. "Hidden passages" evoke a sense of historical or fantastical concealment, which can sound out of place in modern, ordinary contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden passages" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It typically describes concealed or secret routes within a structure or landscape. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

21%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Books

8%

Tech

8%

Lifestyle

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hidden passages" is a grammatically sound and evocative noun phrase used to describe secret or concealed routes, most often in historical or fictional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it's not overly common, it is recognized and understood, particularly in News & Media sources. When employing this phrase, consider the setting; it's most effective when creating a sense of mystery and intrigue, but can feel out of place in modern, mundane situations. Alternatives such as "secret tunnels" or "concealed pathways" may provide greater nuance, but "hidden passages" remains a solid choice for conveying a sense of secretive exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret passages

Similar, but might suggest shorter routes.

secret tunnels

Focuses more on underground, tunnel-like passages.

hidden corridors

A slight variation with a focus on corridor-like structures.

concealed pathways

Emphasizes the act of concealing the pathway.

secret routes

Highlights the function as a route that is kept secret.

clandestine corridors

Adds a sense of illegitimacy or secrecy.

covert paths

Focuses on the secretive nature of the paths.

secret access ways

Emphasizes that they serve as a method to secretly access a place.

underground labyrinths

Implies a complex, maze-like network.

unexplored pathways

Focuses on their undiscovered nature, not necessarily secret, but not public knowledge either.

FAQs

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

You can use "hidden passages" to describe secret or concealed routes, often in historical or fictional contexts. For example, "The ancient library contained "secret passages" behind the bookshelves."

What is a good synonym for "hidden passages"?

Synonyms for "hidden passages" include "secret tunnels", "concealed pathways", or "clandestine corridors", depending on the specific context.

What kind of imagery does the term "hidden passages" evoke?

The term "hidden passages" evokes imagery of mystery, adventure, and secret routes within old buildings, castles, or historical sites. It suggests something not easily accessible or known to the public.

Is it appropriate to use "hidden passages" in a formal context?

While "hidden passages" can be used in formal writing, consider the specific context. It's more appropriate for discussing historical or fictional settings rather than describing modern infrastructure. In contemporary settings, alternatives like "private access" may be more suitable.