hidden pitfall

USAGE SUMMARY

"hidden pitfall" is both correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to an unexpected, unseen obstacle or disadvantage in a situation. For example, "The new law has many hidden pitfalls that have yet to be uncovered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is a hidden pitfall in any tough stance negotiation as a buyer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But should parents like me be applauding – or does Clegg's big new idea have hidden pitfalls?

The Guardian - Opinion

Jasper Conran's Wuthering Heights moors-ish fantasy also used wide sleeves to add impact to his tailoring · In New York last week Matthew Williamson had kimono-style sleeves cut a few inches short to balance out the silhouette of 70s-style high-waisted evening dresses · There are hidden pitfalls to this look.

The Guardian

Avoiding Pitfalls Q.

The New York Times

Though the tour guides insist there is no connection to furtive masked men, the 23-room temple has all the trappings you would expect from a ninja hideout — hidden passageways, pitfalls, trap doors, optical illusions.

The New York Times - Travel

Some El Sistema insiders say there are hidden problems and that foreign imitators should beware pitfalls.

The Guardian

Some high-coverage data on beta cell surface dynamics at the transcriptional level are probably hidden in various transcriptome-wide studies, but are subject to two pitfalls: (1) they only account for relatively long-term proteome changes, and (2) they do not always correlate with protein levels at the cell surface.

Diabetologia

The real design finds are hidden -- literally, as Moroccan architecture is hugely interior-focused -- behind unassuming doors; the key to purchasing success is knowing which doors to look behind, and which classic pitfalls to avoid.

Huffington Post

Why hidden?

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Through intense counseling on the pitfalls of hiding marijuana in tinfoil when approaching an airport metal detector (or the Damon Stoudamire Prevention Program) along with lots of pamphlets, tough love and scare tactics, the players have responded by being good citizens.

The New York Times - Sports

He is even more convincing in arguing that a combination of business logic and changing social attitudes will radically reduce the number of corporate employees who feel obliged to hide in the closet.Pride and pitfallsHowever, Lord Browne's enthusiastic advocacy leads him to gloss over some of the difficult issues raised by the move towards more gay-friendly workplaces.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hidden pitfall" when you want to emphasize the unexpected and concealed nature of a problem or danger. It's particularly effective when the risk isn't immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden pitfall" when the danger or problem is already quite apparent. Reserve it for situations where the risk is genuinely concealed or unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden pitfall" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a particular kind of danger or problem that is not immediately obvious. Ludwig examples show it in contexts ranging from negotiations to architecture.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hidden pitfall" is a noun phrase used to describe a non-obvious danger or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the hidden nature of the pitfall is clearly established. Alternatives like "unforeseen danger", "latent risk", and "underlying hazard" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember to avoid overusing it in obvious situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unforeseen danger

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the danger, omitting the nuance of a 'pitfall'.

Latent risk

Emphasizes the potential for harm that is not immediately obvious.

Underlying hazard

Highlights the concealed nature of the hazard.

Unseen obstacle

Focuses on the difficulty or impediment that is not readily apparent.

Concealed threat

Highlights the hidden and menacing aspect of the situation.

Secret peril

Focuses on a danger that is kept hidden or unknown.

Hidden snag

Highlights a concealed difficulty or problem.

Unrecognized problem

Highlights that problem is not perceived or acknowledged.

Covert danger

Focuses on the danger that is secret and not openly displayed.

Invisible trap

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the danger, likening it to a trap.

FAQs

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

You can use "hidden pitfall" to describe an unexpected danger or problem that is not immediately obvious. For example: "The new policy has several "hidden pitfalls" that could negatively impact employees."

What is a good synonym for "hidden pitfall"?

Alternatives to "hidden pitfall" include "unforeseen danger", "latent risk", or "underlying hazard", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "hidden pitfall" mean?

A "hidden pitfall" refers to a danger, problem, or disadvantage that is not easily recognized or anticipated. It implies that there is a risk that is concealed or not immediately apparent.

Is "hidden pitfall" a formal or informal expression?

"Hidden pitfall" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it's not overly technical, it is often used in professional writing and news reporting because it can highlight subtle but significant dangers.