1 A2 neutral
To physically conceal yourself by positioning your body behind an object.
"The child hid behind the sofa, trying to avoid being sent to bed."
inseparable
hide behind
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To use something as a shield or excuse to avoid revealing your true feelings or taking responsibility.
In plain English
To use something as a cover so people can't see what you're really doing or feeling.
What does "hide behind" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To use a rule, role, excuse, or attitude as a shield to avoid expressing your true feelings or taking responsibility.
"He always hides behind sarcasm when he's actually feeling hurt."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To use anonymity or a false identity to avoid accountability, especially online.
"Many online trolls hide behind fake usernames when posting abusive comments."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To position yourself at the back of something so it hides you.
Actually means
To use something as a cover so people can't see what you're really doing or feeling.
Usage tip
Used both literally (physically concealing yourself behind something) and figuratively (using an excuse, role, or anonymity to avoid accountability). The figurative sense is more common in modern usage.
Words that pair with "hide behind"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
anonymity excuses rules screen mask humour persona
How to conjugate "hide behind"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hide behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hides behind
he/she/it
Past simple
hid behind
yesterday
Past participle
hidden behind
have + pp
-ing form
hiding behind
continuous
Hear "hide behind" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hide behind" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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