PhrasesHub

A good hiding

    Definitions

      • punishment
        To physically discipline or reprimand someone for their wrongdoing or bad behavior

      • defeat
        To soundly defeat or beat someone in a competition or conflict

      • concealment
        To keep something secret or hidden from someone, often in order to avoid punishment or negative consequences

    Examples of A good hiding

    • The thief made a good hiding behind the curtain, and the police couldn't find him.

      "A good hiding" is an idiom that means a place where someone can hide and not be found easily. In this example, the thief found a "good hiding" behind the curtain, which helped him avoid getting caught by the police.

    • The author's book has been hiding in plain sight on the bestseller list for weeks, but it's still a secret to many readers.

      "Hiding in plain sight" is an idiom that means something is obvious or easy to see, but it's not noticed or recognized. In this example, the author's book has been successful and popular, but some readers are still unaware of it, even though it's been on the bestseller list for a while.

    • The company's new product is hiding its true potential, but we believe it has the potential to revolutionize the industry.

      "Hiding its true potential" is an idiom that means something has a lot of potential or value, but it's not immediately apparent. In this example, the company's new product has a lot of potential, but it's not yet clear how successful it will be.

    • The actress's talent has been hiding in the shadows for too long. It's time for her to step into the spotlight.

      "Hiding in the shadows" is an idiom that means something or someone is not being recognized or appreciated as much as they should be. In this example, the actress's talent has not received the recognition it deserves, but it's time for her to take center stage and show the world what she's capable of.

    • The truth about the scandal was hiding in plain sight, but no one wanted to believe it.

      "Hiding in plain sight" is an idiom that means something is obvious or easy to see, but it's not noticed or recognized. In this example, the truth about the scandal was obvious, but people chose to ignore it and believe something else instead.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a good hiding" is primarily used to convey the idea of punishment or discipline, whether physical or verbal. It can also be used to describe a defeat or loss in a competition or conflict. Additionally, it can be used to refer to the act of keeping something hidden or secret, typically in order to avoid negative consequences.

    Origin of "A good hiding"

    The phrase "a good hiding" originated in the 19th century and was commonly used in British English. It is believed to have originated from the idea of a physical beating or whipping, as the word "hide" can also mean the skin of an animal. Therefore, a "good hiding" could refer to a thorough and effective punishment.

    The idiom was often used in a parental or disciplinary context, with parents or authority figures threatening to give someone "a good hiding" as a means of deterring them from misbehaving. Over time, the phrase has also come to be used in a more figurative sense, referring to a defeat or loss in a competitive context.

    In conclusion, the idiom "a good hiding" has its roots in physical discipline and punishment, but has evolved to encompass other meanings such as defeat and concealment. It is a common phrase in British English and is still used today in various contexts.