lifting the veil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lifting the veil" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where one is revealing hidden truths or uncovering something that was previously obscured. Example: "The investigation aimed at lifting the veil on the company's financial practices to ensure transparency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Garvey, Stephen P., "Lifting the Veil on Punishment" (2004).

Cornell University

It is a way of lifting the veil on what goes on.

The New York Times

Lifting the Veil Cargill has validated the rules that govern Wall Street.

The New York Times

Companies are also slowly lifting the veil from doctors' costs and quality.

The Economist

Lifting the veil on that secret spending could endanger their business model.

The Washington Post

"It started to feel like we were lifting the veil off," Mr. Crane said.

The New York Times - Arts

Slowly, however, Cargill is lifting the veil of secrecy that shrouds it.

The New York Times

If only ending the invisibility of oppressed women were as simple as lifting the veil.

The Guardian - Opinion

He calls it "lifting the veil" or "showing how the sausages are made".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

in hopes to lift the veil.

The New York Times

Edward Snowden lifted the veil on America's vast surveillance apparatus.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lifting the veil" when you want to emphasize the revealing of something that was previously hidden, obscured, or not easily understood. It adds a metaphorical layer to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lifting the veil" in contexts where something is already openly known or obvious. The phrase works best when there's a sense of uncovering or revealing something previously concealed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lifting the veil" primarily functions as a metaphorical expression, used to describe the act of revealing something that was previously hidden, secret, or not easily understood. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used in contexts related to uncovering truths or providing clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lifting the veil" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that metaphorically describes the act of revealing something previously hidden or unclear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers and serves to emphasize the significance of the revelation. When using "lifting the veil", ensure that the context involves uncovering something previously concealed, and consider alternatives like "revealing the truth" or "unveiling the mystery" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disclosing the secret

Specifically refers to revealing information that was intentionally kept hidden.

unveiling the mystery

Highlights the element of mystery being dispelled, adding a sense of intrigue.

revealing the truth

Focuses directly on the act of making something known, omitting the metaphorical aspect of removing a covering.

exposing the reality

Emphasizes the factual nature of what is being revealed, often used in contexts of uncovering unpleasant truths.

shedding light on

Similar to bringing to light, but suggests a more focused and directed revelation.

bringing to light

A more general phrase for making something known, without necessarily implying it was hidden.

making transparent

Highlights the act of something becoming clear and easily understood, rather than just revealed.

taking the wraps off

An informal alternative that emphasizes the act of revealing something new or exciting.

blowing the lid off

Suggests a dramatic and often scandalous revelation.

decoding the enigma

Focuses on unraveling something complex and puzzling.

FAQs

How can I use "lifting the veil" in a sentence?

You can use "lifting the veil" to describe the act of revealing something that was previously hidden or not well understood. For example, "The investigation aimed at "lifting the veil" on the company's financial practices."

What are some alternatives to "lifting the veil"?

Alternatives include "revealing the truth", "unveiling the mystery", or "exposing the reality", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "lifting the veil" in formal writing?

Yes, "lifting the veil" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when aiming to add a touch of metaphorical expression to the revelation of previously obscured information.

What's the difference between "lifting the veil" and "revealing the truth"?

"Lifting the veil" implies a process of uncovering something hidden, while "revealing the truth" is a more direct statement of making something known, without necessarily suggesting it was previously concealed.