hide in a cave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hide in a cave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to express that someone or something is hiding or seeking shelter in a cave. For example, you could say: "Frightened by the thunderstorm, the little girl decided to hide in a cave until it passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"If people are concerned, they should hide in a cave," Mrs. Lacey said.

The New York Times - Science

You will need to hide in a cave with no wireless access to avoid analysis of the Saints' entire legacy.

The New York Times

We'd all have to go and hide in a cave for a year until the same dissipated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr. Kim had been urged to hide in a cave with other relatives as the attackers closed in, but his instincts told him it was not safe, and he managed to conceal himself in the brush and then crawl away.

The New York Times

"Lejla was an extraordinarily warm person, a friend who treated everyone with the same affection and interest," said the 24-year-old, who had to clamber over 10 bodies as he fled to hide in a cave by the shore.

The Guardian

The rest of you savages send a text and hide in a cave until 2020.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

If true, that would be the first known American combat death in Afghanistan since the attack on Taliban forces began on Oct. 7. A1 So Many Hiding Places THE CAVES -- If Osama bin Laden is hiding in a cave in Afghanistan, as American officials suspect, he has plenty to choose from.

The New York Times

"And instead of hiding in a cave from Saul, David is hiding in the subway".

The New York Times

He hid in a cave until dawn, then followed the path of the sun.

The Guardian

He survived by hiding in a cave, his jaw broken by soldiers.

The Guardian - Opinion

He retreated and hid in a cave near the summit of Uluru.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hide in a cave" figuratively, ensure the context aligns with the imagery of seeking refuge, isolation, or avoidance. It can evoke a sense of primal instinct or desperate retreat.

Common error

Avoid using "hide in a cave" literally in modern urban settings, as it can sound anachronistic or out of place. Opt for more contemporary terms like "safe house" or "hideout" unless you're aiming for a deliberately archaic or symbolic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hide in a cave" functions primarily as a verb phrase with a prepositional phrase modifying the action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples illustrate both literal and figurative uses, showing its versatility in expressing concealment and retreat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hide in a cave" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verb phrase describing the act of seeking refuge or concealment in a cave, both literally and figuratively. While applicable in various contexts, its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources. Though versatile, writers should be mindful of potential anachronisms in contemporary settings. Alternatives like "take shelter in a cave" or "lie low in a cave" offer nuanced substitutions, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lie low in a cave

Similar to holing up, but emphasizes the intention of remaining undetected for a period of time.

hole up in a cave

Indicates a temporary stay in a cave, usually to avoid something unpleasant or dangerous.

take shelter in a cave

Focuses on seeking refuge from danger or weather, emphasizing the protective aspect of the cave.

go to ground in a cave

Implies a more desperate or secretive act of hiding, often to avoid capture or detection.

seek refuge in a cavern

Similar to taking shelter, but emphasizes a larger, more natural cave environment.

retreat to a grotto

Suggests a more secluded or picturesque hiding place, possibly for relaxation or contemplation rather than strict evasion.

conceal oneself within a cavern

Formal alternative that highlights the act of hiding in a spacious natural underground chamber.

seclude oneself in a cave

Highlights the act of isolating oneself, with the cave serving as a place of solitude and withdrawal.

burrow into a cave

Suggests a deep, almost animalistic instinct to hide within the earth, emphasizing the cave's protective embrace.

abscond to a cave

Suggests fleeing to a cave, usually after committing a wrongdoing.

FAQs

How can I use "hide in a cave" in a sentence?

You can use "hide in a cave" to describe literally seeking shelter in a cave, as in, "During the storm, they had to hide in a cave". Figuratively, it can mean withdrawing from society or a difficult situation.

What can I say instead of "hide in a cave"?

You can use alternatives like "take shelter in a cave", "go to ground in a cave", or "lie low in a cave" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hide in a cave"?

Yes, "hide in a cave" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a verb ("hide") followed by a prepositional phrase ("in a cave").

What does it mean to "hide in a cave" figuratively?

Figuratively, "hide in a cave" can represent isolating oneself from the world, avoiding difficult situations, or reverting to a more primitive or isolated state. It suggests a desire for protection and withdrawal.