hidden passion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden passion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong interest or desire that is not openly expressed or is concealed from others. Example: "Despite her calm demeanor, she had a hidden passion for painting that she only revealed to her closest friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Maybe that old ethic of discretion, of bearing pain alone or within the closest family hearth, behind closed drapes, merely strengthened the dark and hidden passion that built in Mr. Bird, transforming hidden grievance into uncontrollable rage.

The New York Times

Molesley has a hidden passion for invisible mending!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But his hidden passion was still for animals and birds.

The Guardian - Arts

Is he exposing a reserve of hidden passion beneath Duchamp's dandyish, bone-dry wit?

The New York Times - Arts

She auditioned for a TV movie called "Jump In," about a boy who discovers a hidden passion for jumping rope.

The New York Times - Arts

In an unusually three-dimensional portrayal, Ms. Fischbach made the character, who must give up the man Caroline is marrying, a creature of great pride and hidden passion.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It made sense that Salonen, in his final performance, turned to the music of Stravinsky, whose cool façade and hidden passions match his own artistic temperament.

The New Yorker

The baroque, though, began to appeal, at first surreptitiously, not just to those who looked to Rome – as Evelyn Waugh had – but also to those such as Blunt whose ostensibly uptight, upright manner fronted hidden passions – among them his sexuality – and who sought subversion (Blunt was a Soviet spy).

The Guardian - Arts

The Holmes of Doyle was a man of strong if hidden passions and firm moral bearings.

Huffington Post

We can often uncover hidden passions by recalling the things that brought joy when we were children.

Huffington Post

Mr. Dell himself, while soft spoken, has never hidden his passion for winning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hidden passion", ensure the context provides some indication or hint about the passion's existence. It creates a sense of intrigue and depth if the reader can infer the passion even before it's explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden passion" to describe interests that are already apparent or widely known. Overusing the phrase in obvious situations diminishes its impact and can make your writing seem redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden passion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "hidden" modifies the noun "passion". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It typically serves to describe an intense interest or desire that is not readily apparent or is deliberately concealed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hidden passion" effectively describes a strong, yet concealed, interest or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, arts, and general writing. While alternatives like "secret enthusiasm" or "latent desire" offer subtle nuances, the key is to ensure the context genuinely implies a concealed interest. Overusing the phrase in obvious situations can diminish its impact. Therefore, the phrase should be used judiciously to add depth and intrigue to writing, revealing a side of a subject that is not immediately apparent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret enthusiasm

Replaces "passion" with a more general term for intense interest and "hidden" with "secret", emphasizing the concealed nature of the feeling.

latent desire

Substitutes "passion" with "desire" to focus on longing and "hidden" with "latent", implying potential and dormancy.

unexpressed zeal

Replaces "passion" with "zeal" to denote fervor and enthusiasm and "hidden" with "unexpressed", highlighting the lack of outward manifestation.

concealed interest

Uses "interest" as a broader term for passion and "concealed" for "hidden", suggesting a deliberate act of keeping the interest private.

private yearning

Replaces "passion" with "yearning" to emphasize a strong desire and "hidden" with "private", indicating a deeply personal feeling.

suppressed fervor

Substitutes "passion" with "fervor" to denote intensity and "hidden" with "suppressed", implying active restraint.

inner avidity

Replaces "passion" with "avidity", signaling eagerness and enthusiasm and "hidden" with "inner", emphasizing the internal nature.

closeted obsession

Uses "obsession" to highlight the intensity of the passion, with "closeted" signifying something kept secret or private.

unacknowledged craving

Replaces "passion" with "craving" to denote a strong desire and "hidden" with "unacknowledged", suggesting that the desire is not openly admitted.

secret infatuation

Substitutes "passion" with "infatuation" to imply a foolish or all-consuming passion and "hidden" with "secret", emphasizing the concealed nature.

FAQs

How can I effectively reveal a "hidden passion" in my writing?

Use subtle clues and indirect characterization to hint at the "hidden passion" before explicitly stating it. This builds suspense and adds depth to your narrative. For example, you might show a character spending their free time engaged in a particular activity or displaying an unusual level of knowledge about a specific subject.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "hidden passion"?

You can use alternatives like "secret enthusiasm", "latent desire", or "unexpressed zeal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "hidden passion"?

The phrase is grammatically correct, but it can be misused if applied to an obvious or already well-known interest. Ensure that the context genuinely suggests that the passion is not readily apparent or is actively concealed.

What's the difference between "hidden passion" and "secret obsession"?

While both phrases imply something concealed, "hidden passion" generally suggests a positive enthusiasm or interest, whereas "secret obsession" often carries a connotation of intensity or potential unhealthiness.