hidey-hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “hidey-hole” mean?
A small, secret place where someone can hide or where things can be stored out of sight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, secret place where someone can hide or where things can be stored out of sight.
A concealed or secluded spot, often used for privacy, safety, or storing valuables; can be literal (a physical space) or metaphorical (a mental or emotional retreat).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but 'hidey-hole' is more common in British English. American English may slightly prefer 'hideout' or 'hidey-hole' with equal recognition.
Connotations
In both, it suggests a degree of whimsy or informality. In British English, it might be associated more with children's games or quaint country life.
Frequency
Uncommon in formal contexts in both regions. Slightly higher relative frequency in British English corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “hidey-hole” in a Sentence
[Verb] a hidey-hole (e.g., 'have', 'find', 'use')[Prepositional Phrase] in/inside a hidey-holeVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. If used metaphorically, it might humorously refer to a secluded office or a hidden budget reserve.
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing. May appear in literary analysis or historical texts describing physical spaces.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often with children or when describing a cosy, private spot in a home or garden.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hidey-hole”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hidey-hole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hidey-hole”
- Misspelling as 'hidey-hole' (correct) vs. 'hidy-hole' or 'hidey hole' (without hyphen).
- Using in formal written contexts where 'hiding place' or 'repository' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a hyphenated compound noun: 'hidey-hole'.
Metaphorically, yes. One might refer to a private folder on a computer or a secluded corner of the internet as a 'digital hidey-hole', though this is an extended, playful use.
A 'hideout' is typically for people evading capture and can be large (e.g., a cabin). A 'hidey-hole' is smaller, often for objects or a single person, and has a more quaint, informal feel.
It has a childish or playful connotation, but adults use it informally to describe a cosy, private spot without sounding immature.
A small, secret place where someone can hide or where things can be stored out of sight.
Hidey-hole is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Hidey-hole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.di ˌhəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.di ˌhoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idiom, the term itself is idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a small, shy child saying 'I need to HIDE, hey!' and then finding a HOLE to crawl into – a HIDEY-HOLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIVACY/SECRECY IS A SMALL, CONCEALED CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'hidey-hole' be LEAST appropriate?