well-kept secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well-kept secret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information that is not widely known or is intentionally kept hidden from others. Example: "The small café in the alley is a well-kept secret among locals who enjoy its unique atmosphere and delicious pastries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Secret, yes, but not a well-kept secret.

Huffington Post

It's almost a well-kept secret.

Independent

It's another well-kept secret.

The New York Times

"They're a well-kept secret," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a well-kept secret, Bulgarian chicks".

The New York Times

"Armonk was a well-kept secret.

The New York Times

And the military units are not a well-kept secret.

The New York Times

Perhaps Corsica wasn't such a well-kept secret, even then.

Independent

The neutron stars' merger was not a well-kept secret.

The Washington Post

"We're a well-kept secret, yes," she said.

The New York Times

"Toronto is no longer a well-kept secret".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "well-kept secret", consider the audience's perspective. Is it truly unknown to them, or are you highlighting its obscurity? Tailor your tone accordingly.

Common error

Avoid relying on "well-kept secret" too frequently, especially when more vivid or specific language could enhance your writing. Explore alternative phrases to maintain freshness and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-kept secret" functions primarily as a noun modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, to describe something not widely known. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's generally used to highlight the obscurity or hidden nature of the subject. Numerous examples showcase its usage in describing places, facts, or talents that are not commonly recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "well-kept secret" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something not widely known, often adding an element of intrigue and exclusivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, with secondary usages in academic and business contexts, indicating its adaptability across various registers. While it's a useful and recognized expression, writers should avoid overuse and consider more specific alternatives to maintain freshness and precision in their writing. Source quality analysis reveals an average score of 86, showing its frequent appearance in authoritative sources. Overall, understanding its function and context helps ensure effective communication and enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best-kept secret

Slightly modifies the original phrase, emphasizing the superior quality of the secret.

closely guarded secret

Emphasizes the active effort to protect the secret from being revealed.

hidden gem

Suggests that something valuable is not widely discovered or appreciated.

buried secret

Suggests the secret is deeply hidden, perhaps intentionally forgotten.

undisclosed information

Highlights the lack of openness or transparency regarding certain data.

little-known detail

Highlights that the information is a specific, often overlooked aspect.

private matter

Indicates that something is intended to be kept within a limited circle of people.

confidential information

Implies that the information is sensitive and should not be shared.

unknown fact

A simple way to indicate that a piece of information is not generally known.

covert affair

Implies secrecy surrounding the event to avoid detection.

FAQs

How can I use "well-kept secret" in a sentence?

You can use "well-kept secret" to describe something that is not widely known, like "The location of the treasure is a "well-kept secret"".

What can I say instead of "well-kept secret"?

Alternatives include "hidden gem", "closely guarded secret", or "undisclosed information" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'best-kept secret' instead of "well-kept secret"?

Yes, "best-kept secret" is a valid and often used alternative that emphasizes the superior quality of the secret.

What's the difference between "well-kept secret" and "open secret"?

"Well-kept secret" implies that information is intentionally hidden and not widely known. An "open secret", on the other hand, is something that is technically secret but widely suspected or known by a select group.