under the mask

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the mask" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something is hidden or not as it seems on the surface. For example: - Under the mask of confidence, she was actually feeling quite nervous. - The villain's true identity was hidden under the mask he wore. - The politician's true intentions were hidden under a mask of charm and charisma. - Under the mask of professionalism, she secretly hated her job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The storyline of Sugar returning under the mask to fight the heels helped make the masked man instantly popular with the crowd.

Wikipedia

His beautiful, manly nose swelled suggestively under the mask, making his female patients blush.

The New York Times - Books

"Particularly 'What's under the mask?' But I have never had anyone be mean to me.

Independent

This means we'll actually get to see the excellent Isaac under the mask, rather than his motion-captured spectre.

The Guardian - Film

"We will not tolerate the Germanisation of western and northern Polish territories under the mask of Europeanisation".

The Guardian

Again, the issues at stake are ownership and territory and the need to conceal the naked rage under the mask of civility.

The Guardian

A few weeks ago, when they were fighting, Nava had said that his kindness was like a mask, and under the mask: Siberia.

The New Yorker

The man in the red Elmo costume was back to work in Central Park on Tuesday, but under the mask, he was not smiling.

The New York Times

The archetypal themes that bask under the mask of incident, dialogue and location in women's romantic literature are the seduction of the father by the daughter, and the destruction of the mother.

The Guardian - Books

Little do they realize that under the mask, beneath the armor, lie the beating hearts, the transmogrified flesh and isotopic blood, of a creature who was once very much human, just like them.

The New Yorker

It wasn't a great matchup for me to begin with, and it certainly didn't help that I could barely breath under the mask I was wearing as protection for my broken nose.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the mask", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being concealed or misrepresented. For instance, "Under the mask of a friendly smile, he harbored resentment."

Common error

Avoid using "under the mask" in literal contexts where a physical mask is the sole focus. Use it when referring to hidden intentions, emotions, or identities. For instance, avoid using it to describe the physical comfort of wearing a mask.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the mask" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It adds descriptive detail by indicating where something is concealed, or in a figurative sense, how something is misrepresented. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the mask" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote concealment or misrepresentation. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, emphasizing its role in revealing hidden aspects or contrasting appearances with underlying realities. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. When crafting your content, remember its figurative significance and avoid literal interpretations, using it to enhance depth and meaning by exposing hidden truths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behind a facade

Suggests a deceptive outward appearance.

beneath the surface

Focuses on what is not immediately apparent.

concealed within

Emphasizes the act of hiding something.

lurking underneath

Suggests something negative or dangerous is hidden.

at the heart of

Indicates the core or essence of something, often hidden or not immediately obvious.

veiled behind

Implies something is deliberately obscured.

hidden from view

Highlights the lack of visibility.

in secret

Focuses on the act of doing something covertly.

out of sight

Indicates something is not visible, but not necessarily hidden intentionally.

in disguise

Implies a deliberate attempt to change appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "under the mask" in a sentence?

Use "under the mask" to describe something hidden or concealed, such as "Under the mask of professionalism, she was secretly frustrated".

What's a good substitute for "under the mask"?

Alternatives include phrases like "beneath the surface", "behind a facade", or "in disguise", depending on the context.

Is it more correct to use "under the mask" or "behind the mask"?

Both "under the mask" and "behind the mask" are acceptable. "Under the mask" often implies a closer, more inherent concealment, while "behind the mask" suggests a more external hiding place.

What does "under the mask" typically imply?

"Under the mask" generally implies that someone or something is not as it seems on the surface, suggesting a hidden reality or deception. It can be used to highlight the contrast between outward appearances and inner truths.