Hide
/haɪd/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo conceal something from sight or knowledge; to keep secret.
/haɪd/
To put or keep out of sight; conceal.
The squirrel tried to hide its nuts under the leaves.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a secret, like a surprise birthday party! Hiding something is like making sure no one sees the cake or hears the whispers before the big day. You're trying to keep it a secret!
👶 For kids: To put something where no one can see it.
More Examples
She hid her face behind her hands when she was embarrassed.
He tried to hide his true feelings about the situation.
How It's Used
"He tried to hide the evidence."
"Children often play hide and seek."
To remain out of sight; to take shelter or refuge.
/haɪd/
To remain concealed.
The refugees hid in the mountains from the conflict.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game of tag and don't want to get caught! You'd find a good place to hide, like behind a tree or in a closet, to stay safe.
👶 For kids: To stay where no one can see you.
More Examples
The fugitive hid in the forest.
She hid in the shadows to avoid being seen.
How It's Used
"The injured animal tried to hide from the predator."
"The soldiers had to hide until dawn."
The skin of an animal, typically used for leather.
/haɪd/
The skin of an animal, especially when dressed or prepared for use.
The shop sold high-quality cow hide for making saddles.
💡 Simply: When you see a leather jacket or a leather belt, that leather came from the skin (or hide) of an animal, like a cow. It's been treated and prepared to make it soft and strong!
👶 For kids: An animal's skin.
More Examples
The Native American tribes often used hides for clothing and shelter.
The drum was made from stretched animal hide.
How It's Used
"The artisan worked with the hide to create a leather bag."
"The hunter carefully prepared the animal's hide after the hunt."
Idioms & expressions
hide one's light under a bushel
To keep one's talents or abilities hidden or secret; to not let one's talents be known.
"She was a brilliant musician, but she hid her light under a bushel, never performing publicly."
hide-and-seek
A children's game in which one player closes their eyes while the others hide, and then the first player tries to find them.
"The children enjoyed playing hide-and-seek in the park."
From Old English *hȳdan*, meaning 'to conceal, keep secret'. Related to German *hüten* (to guard) and Dutch *huien* (to hide).
The word 'hide' has been used since Old English times and retains its core meaning of concealment. Its use in the context of animal skin for clothing and shelter is also ancient.
Memory tip
Think of a pirate burying treasure: they *hide* it from others.
Word Origin
"to conceal"