hidden tears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden tears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe emotions that are not openly expressed, often referring to sadness or grief that someone is concealing. Example: "She smiled brightly at the party, but I could see the hidden tears in her eyes when she thought no one was watching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was wearing sunglasses to hide tears as he wrapped her in a hug.

The New York Times - Sports

We talk about There Will Be Tears, the Frank Ocean song in which he admits to hiding tears about his absent father.

The Guardian - Music

Michael Roberts, a fisherman from Lafitte, La., said he had to hide tears from his grandson on a recent boat ride in Barataria Bay when he saw oil staining his fishing grounds.

The New York Times

The four dancers reach their arms out, as if surveying the land; they put their hands to their faces, as if to hide tears; they raise their arms to the sky, with a bent palm (a famous movement from Balanchine's "Serenade").

The New Yorker

But of course each generation reacts against the previous one, so to us the oldsters are tragically – even cancer-causingly – repressed: terrifying creatures seething with muffled emotions; grim yet cheerful; glinty and beady, all disapproving half-glances, eerie smiles hiding tears, and nothing said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Soon it was all over and Gerrard, stretching his forearm across his face to hide tears, had gathered his team-mates around him once more.

BBC

The good thing about darkness and rain is that they hide tears.

Huffington Post

Teachers are offering advice and watching out for bullies; moms are hiding tears as they wave to their kindergartners getting on the school bus for the first time.

Huffington Post

Her foster mother, Ms. Dragana Maksimovic, does not hide tears of happiness while holding Andjela in her arms.

Unicef

Yes?" He nodded silently, hiding tears of joy and a small fear of what would happen to him if this fostering didn't work.

Unicef

There have been occasions when I haven't hidden my tears from him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hidden tears" to subtly portray characters or situations where sadness is present but not openly expressed. This can add depth and complexity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden tears" excessively in overly dramatic or sentimental scenes, as it can come across as cliché. Instead, use it sparingly to enhance the emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden tears" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'hidden' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'tears'. It describes the state of sadness or grief that is not outwardly expressed. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its usage in describing concealed emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hidden tears" is a grammatically sound and subtly evocative way to describe concealed sadness or grief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage is not extremely common, but it carries significant emotional weight when employed effectively. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, "hidden tears" provides a nuanced way to portray internal emotional states that are not immediately apparent. To enhance your writing, consider using "hidden tears" sparingly to highlight the complexities of characters or situations. Alternatives such as "concealed sorrow" or "unseen grief" can be used for variation and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concealed sorrow

Emphasizes the act of keeping sadness secret or covered.

unseen grief

Highlights the lack of outward display of mourning or sadness.

suppressed emotion

Focuses on the act of holding back feelings, specifically sadness.

veiled sadness

Implies that the sadness is covered or disguised, but still present.

repressed grief

Suggests a deeper, more profound suppression of sorrow.

secret sorrow

Highlights that the sadness is known only to the individual experiencing it.

inward weeping

Conveys the internal experience of crying without outward signs.

masked grief

Similar to veiled sadness, but emphasizes the disguise.

private tears

Indicates that the crying occurs in solitude and is not shared.

internal suffering

Focuses on the inner turmoil and pain associated with sadness.

FAQs

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

You can use "hidden tears" to describe a state of suppressed sadness. For example, "Despite her cheerful demeanor, she fought back "hidden tears" during the farewell party".

What are some alternatives to "hidden tears"?

Some alternatives include "concealed sorrow", "unseen grief", or "suppressed emotion depending" on the context.

Is it better to say "hide tears" or "hidden tears"?

"Hide tears" refers to the action of concealing tears, while ""hidden tears"" describes the state of sadness that is not outwardly visible. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

What does "hidden tears" typically represent?

"Hidden tears" often symbolize suppressed emotions, grief that is not openly displayed, or a vulnerability that someone is trying to conceal.