thin disguise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin disguise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone's true intentions or identity are not well concealed, often implying that the disguise is inadequate. Example: "His attempt to blend in with the crowd was nothing more than a thin disguise, as everyone could see through his facade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It felt like a very thin disguise".

The Guardian - Books

It might be an avenging angel in thin disguise.

The New York Times

Then as now, the formal charge was a thin disguise.

The New Yorker

Wearing a thin disguise, he robs a Johannesburg bank and walks away with the money.

The New York Times

He was best known to "New Yorker" readers under the thin disguise of E.M. Frimbo, world's greatest railroad buff.

The New Yorker

The theological arguments they use to resist female bishops have always been a thin disguise for patriarchy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It progressed from naughtily designed shops and eye-catching cocktail bars to thin disguises on mammoth office buildings.

The Guardian - Arts

Free speech was used for movements, like environmentalism, that were thin disguises for popular nationalism, ethnic resentment and collective action.

The New York Times

Slices of life in exotic places are again acting as thin disguises for the true business of the day: the mocking of British society and politics.

The New York Times - Arts

The Pursuit of Love is a heavily autobiographical romantic comedy in which many of her family and acquaintances appear in thin disguises.

Wikipedia

Istina Movet was herself in the thinnest disguise, enduring the full barbarities of the treatment of mental illness in New Zealand in the mid-20th century.Miss Frame was first institutionalised in 1945, when she was 21.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thin disguise", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being poorly concealed. Providing specific details about the attempt and its failure enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "thin disguise" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced language may be required. Consider alternatives like "superficial attempt at concealment" or "poorly executed pretense" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin disguise" functions as a noun phrase, where "thin" modifies the noun "disguise". It typically acts as a subject complement or object complement, describing the nature of something being concealed or misrepresented, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin disguise" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a poorly concealed attempt to hide something. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability, and examples from diverse sources like news media and encyclopedias illustrate its broad applicability. While versatile, it's best to avoid "thin disguise" in extremely formal contexts, where more precise language might be more appropriate. Related phrases such as "feeble pretense" or "transparent cover" offer subtle variations in meaning. When writing, make sure to clearly identify what is being disguised and why the disguise is ineffective to maximize the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeble pretense

Emphasizes the weakness or inadequacy of the pretense.

poorly concealed facade

Highlights the inadequate attempt to hide something behind a superficial appearance.

transparent cover

Suggests that the attempt to conceal is easily seen through.

weak facade

Focuses on the fragility of the outward appearance.

shallow deception

Indicates a lack of depth or sophistication in the deception.

flimsy excuse

Highlights the weakness and unconvincing nature of the justification.

transparent ruse

Emphasizes the obviousness of the trick or deception.

evident pretense

Highlights the obvious or easily perceived nature of the pretense.

superficial mask

Suggests that the concealment is only skin deep and doesn't hide the true nature of something.

barely veiled attempt

Focuses on the minimal effort to conceal the true intention or action.

FAQs

How can I use "thin disguise" in a sentence?

You can use "thin disguise" to describe an attempt to conceal something that is easily seen through. For example, "His attempt to appear unbiased was a "thin disguise" for his personal opinions."

What are some alternatives to "thin disguise"?

Alternatives include "feeble pretense", "poorly concealed facade", or "transparent cover". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "thin disguise" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "thin disguise" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "superficial attempt at concealment".

What's the difference between "thin disguise" and "obvious lie"?

"Thin disguise" implies an attempt to conceal something that is poorly executed, while "obvious lie" refers to a direct statement that is easily recognized as false. A "thin disguise" may not necessarily involve a direct lie, but rather a pretense or facade that is easily seen through.