hide behind
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle behind
Meanings
Use something as a cover or excuse
Why “behind”? A hidden cause sits behind the action you can see.
“He hides behind his job title.”
“The company hides behind complex rules.”
Don't confuse with
Hide behind means use something as a cover or excuse. Hide under means conceal something beneath a covering.
Test yourself
“He hides behind his job title.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
hide under
A contrast learners often mix up
Hide something beneath a covering
lie behind
Same behind pattern: hidden cause
Be the underlying cause of something visible
lurk behind
Same behind pattern: hidden cause
Be hidden or unseen behind a visible cause
stand behind
Same behind pattern: hidden cause
Be the unseen reason or motivator for something; Continue to support someone in difficulty
hide away
Same base verb: hide
Hide in an out-of-the-way place
hide out
Same base verb: hide
Stay in a secret place to avoid being found
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