something to hide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something to hide" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a situation where someone may be concealing information or feelings. Example: "If he is acting suspiciously, it might mean he has something to hide." Alternative expressions include "a secret to keep" and "something to conceal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Something to hide, Suralan?

Independent

This was something to hide, I thought.

Independent

Except for those with something to hide.

Independent

Does he have something to hide?

The New York Times

I definitely need a little something to hide in.

The New York Times

The point is, we all have something to hide".

The New York Times

People who want locks got something to hide".

The New Yorker

He's a man who obviously has something to hide.

The New York Times

The conspicuous cropping, she says, implies something to hide.

The Guardian - Music

Something to hide perhaps?" Or, maybe, just the opposite.

The New York Times

It says the United States has something to hide".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with the verb "have" or "got" for standard idiomatic usage, such as in "he has something to hide."

Common error

Avoid using "something to hide" as a synonym for "privacy" in sensitive contexts. While privacy is a right, the phrase "something to hide" often carries a negative connotation of guilt or deception. If you want to support someone's right to keep things to themselves, use "desire for privacy" instead.

Linguistic Context

In markdown, the phrase "something to hide" functions primarily as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive. It often serves as the direct object of verbs like "have", "got", or "possess". According to Ludwig, this structure is used to identify a specific, though unnamed, object or piece of information that is being kept secret.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academic

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something to hide" is a versatile and highly common English idiom used to describe the act of concealing information. Through the lens of Ludwig, we see that it is a staple of investigative journalism, often used to imply that a lack of transparency is a sign of underlying issues or guilt. While it is grammatically straightforward, its power lies in its connotative weight; it effectively turns a simple act of non-disclosure into a point of public or personal interest. Whether used in a casual conversation or a front-page editorial, it remains the go-to expression for discussing the boundaries between private information and public accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something to conceal

Uses a more formal verb than hide

a secret to keep

Focuses on the nature of the information as a secret

something to cover up

Implies an active and possibly illicit attempt to mask an error

information to withhold

Used in more technical or legal contexts regarding data

a reason for secrecy

Explains the motivation behind the concealment

skeletons in the closet

An idiom referring specifically to scandalous past secrets

hidden motives

Refers specifically to psychological or tactical intentions

veiled information

A more poetic or literary way to describe obscured facts

reasons for privacy

Shifts the connotation from suspicion to a basic human right

clandestine activities

Much more formal and often associated with espionage or crime

FAQs

How do I use "something to hide" in a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as a direct object. For example: "The politician's refusal to release his tax returns suggested he had something to hide."

What is a more formal way to say "something to hide"?

In professional or academic writing, you can use "something to conceal" or "information to withhold" to sound more precise.

Is it "something to hide" or "something to be hidden"?

Both are grammatically possible, but "something to hide" is the standard idiomatic form when referring to a person possessing a secret.

What does the phrase "nothing to hide" mean in comparison?

The expression "nothing to hide" is the direct opposite, used to assert transparency, innocence, or total openness.