hide behind
The phrase "hide behind" can be used both literally and figuratively to describe actions aimed at avoiding visibility or responsibility.
Definition
A2General
(literal)To position oneself out of sight by placing something or someone between oneself and an observer.
Example
- The child tried to hide behind the tree during the game of hide and seek.
B2Social
(idiomatic)To use someone or something as a shield to avoid taking responsibility or blame.
Example
- He always hides behind his colleagues when there's a problem at work.
B2Emotional
(figurative)To conceal one's true feelings or intentions by presenting a false front.
Example
- She hides behind a smile, but I know she's really upset.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hide behind":
hide awayhide the ballhang behindstay behindlie behindin disguisehole upstand behindrun behindcover upsneak aroundlay lowblend inget behindbehind the curtainrun awaysneak upunder the coverslive in the shadow ofgo undergroundduck outhold backtuck awaykeep backkeep one's head downduck downstand backback awaysneak inhedge infall behindkeep awaybreak coverkeep shady