The phrase "goes underground" means to hide or disappear from public view. The word "underground" is spelled as /ʌndərɡraʊnd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "und" is pronounced as "uhnd" with a short 'u' sound, followed by "er" pronounced as "er" with a neutral vowel sound. The second syllable "ground" is pronounced as "ground" with a long 'a' sound. The 'ow' sound in the spelling is represented by the two letters 'ou' which is pronounced as "aʊ".
"Goes underground" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation or action in which something or someone becomes concealed or operates secretly or clandestinely. This phrase often refers to activities or individuals that move or operate in a covert or hidden manner, away from public view or scrutiny.
The term "goes underground" commonly stems from the metaphorical idea of literally going beneath the surface, such as hiding or burrowing like an animal. However, in its figurative sense, it implies a retreat from the public eye in order to evade attention, scrutiny, or potential consequences.
This phrase is frequently associated with activities that are considered illegal, illicit, or secretive, such as criminal organizations or individuals involved in illicit trade or terrorism. It can also describe situations where individuals or groups intentionally remove themselves from societal norms or mainstream influence, such as political dissidents, underground movements, or artists working outside mainstream culture.
Furthermore, "goes underground" can refer to a transition or transformation that takes place in someone's personal or professional life, where they intentionally operate discreetly or covertly to protect their interests, privacy, or security. In such cases, it usually implies a need for discretion, often due to external threats, the need to maintain confidentiality, or the desire for personal autonomy.
Overall, "goes underground" describes an action or situation involving secrecy, concealment, or evasion, emphasizing the hidden nature of the subject's activities or behavior.
The term "goes underground" is a figurative expression that means someone or something becomes secretive, hidden, or operates clandestinely. Its etymology can be traced back to literal usage and metaphorical extension.
The word "goes" is the third-person singular present tense of the verb "to go", which originates from the Old English word "gān". It has retained its basic meaning of movement or action.
The term "underground" comes from the Old English word "undergrund", which refers to the region beneath the surface of the ground. In a literal sense, it denotes anything that is situated or occurring beneath the earth's surface or below ground level.
The metaphorical use of "underground" emerged in the early 19th century to describe hidden or secretive activities.