hide out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hide out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a place where someone can go to avoid being found or to escape from a situation. Example: "After the incident, he decided to hide out in a remote cabin in the woods until things calmed down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

To hide out in your own little subculture".

The New York Times

The most intriguing flavors hide out in Khe-Yo's sauces.

The New York Times - Food

Pirates and privateers would sail upriver and hide out".

The New York Times

Now I'm having to hide out in the living room.

The Guardian

"I was kind of looking for a place to hide out".

The New York Times - Arts

Jesse James used to hide out in this country, he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Ben hunkers down into another hide-out.

The Guardian - Film

Hide-Out (1934) was also a crime comedy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

About a dozen captors who rotated in guarding him from hide-out to hide-out always wore masks.

The New York Times

Patterson takes me upstairs to his office hide-out.

The Guardian - Books

The hide-out was discovered after a tip off.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a more descriptive alternative if you want to emphasize the specific reason for hiding, such as "seek refuge" (if safety is the primary concern) or "lie low" (if the goal is simply to avoid attention).

Common error

Avoid using "hide out" when the act of hiding is brief or accidental. "Hide out" implies a more extended period of concealment than simply ducking behind something for a moment. For momentary situations, use "hide" or "take cover" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hide out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating the action of concealing oneself in a specific location to avoid detection or escape a situation. As shown by Ludwig, this usage is commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "hide out" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of concealing oneself, often to avoid detection or escape a difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. The frequency of "hide out" is classified as common with high presence in news and media outlets. To enhance your writing, remember that this phrase is appropriate for situations involving deliberate and sustained concealment. Be cautious of using it for brief or accidental instances of hiding. Consider alternatives like "take refuge" or ""lay low"" to add nuance. This phrase maintains a neutral register which means that it is appropriate for different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lay low

Suggests minimizing visibility to avoid attention, often temporarily.

lie low

Similar to "lay low", but with a slightly more passive connotation.

go into hiding

Emphasizes the act of deliberately concealing oneself.

hole up

Describes seeking refuge in a secure and often isolated location.

keep a low profile

Focuses on avoiding attention by behaving discreetly.

take refuge

Focuses on seeking shelter and safety, implying a temporary escape.

go underground

Implies a more secretive and potentially illicit concealment.

seek sanctuary

Highlights the need for a safe and protected place.

remain in seclusion

Highlights the state of being isolated and away from public view.

secrete oneself

A more formal and deliberate way of saying to hide oneself.

FAQs

What does it mean to "hide out"?

To "hide out" means to conceal oneself in a safe or secret place, typically to avoid being found or to escape from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. It implies a deliberate and often prolonged act of hiding.

How to use "hide out" in a sentence?

You can use "hide out" in sentences like: "After the robbery, the thieves decided to "lay low" and "hide out" in an abandoned warehouse", or "The fugitive was able to "go into hiding" and "hide out" for several months before being apprehended".

What can I say instead of "hide out"?

You can use alternatives like "take refuge", ""go into hiding"", or ""lay low"" depending on the specific context. Consider the nuance you want to convey when choosing an alternative.

Is it more appropriate to say "hide out" or simply "hide"?

While both "hide" and "hide out" refer to concealing oneself, "hide out" suggests a more prolonged and deliberate act of hiding, often in a specific location. If the hiding is brief or without a specific destination, "hide" is more appropriate. If the hiding is planned or extended, "hide out" fits better.