going to ground
Disappearing from view
Going to ground describes hiding or withdrawing from public view, especially to avoid detection or pursuit.
The phrase comes from fox hunting, where a fox escapes by retreating into its underground den or burrow.
In modern use, it applies to people evading authorities, journalists, or anyone they wish to avoid: After the scandal broke, the executive went to ground for weeks.
The phrase suggests deliberate concealment rather than casual absence.
- burrowAnimal's dug dwelling
- lying lowRemaining unnoticed deliberately
- safe houseSecret secure refuge
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- concealmentAct of hiding something
deep cover · evasion · on the run · shelter · caution · fear · vigilance · hideout · secrecy · hidden away · off the grid · self-preservation · bolt-hole · retreat · introspection · laying low · stealth · escape
going to groundstanding your ground
facing the music · confronting · digging in · engaging · fighting back
going to groundsurfacing
Coming to the surface
emerging · going public · coming forward · reappearing · making an appearance
going, ground, grounds, grounded, grounding, groundless, underground, groundwork, aground