Hidden away is a phrase used to describe something that is concealed, kept out of sight or unknown to most people. It refers to objects, people, or places that are purposely or naturally shrouded from public view, often secluded or tucked away from plain sight.
In the context of objects, hidden away refers to items that are discreetly stored or stashed to prevent them from being easily found or seen. This can be done for security or privacy reasons, or to preserve and protect valuable or delicate items. For example, a precious jewel might be hidden away in a secret compartment or a cherished family heirloom might be concealed in a locked safe.
When referring to people, hidden away signifies individuals who purposely isolate themselves from society, leading secluded or introverted lifestyles. They may choose seclusion as a means of protecting their privacy, avoiding social interaction, or escaping from the pressures and demands of the outside world.
In terms of places, hidden away characterizes locations that are remote, undiscovered, or not well-known to the general public. These are often tranquil or off-the-beaten-path destinations, secluded and shielded from the hustle and bustle of mainstream tourist areas. Examples include hidden beaches, secluded mountain retreats, secret gardens, or tucked-away villages.
Overall, hidden away implies an aspect of secrecy, seclusion, inaccessibility, or obscurity, indicating that the subject is deliberately or naturally concealed from easy detection or knowledge.
The etymology of the word "hidden away" can be understood by examining the origins of each word separately:
1. Hidden: The word "hidden" originates from the Old English word "hydan", which means "to hide" or "to conceal". This Old English term is likely derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hudjaną". Over time, "hydan" transformed into "hiden" in Middle English and eventually became "hidden" in Modern English.
2. Away: The word "away" has roots in both Old English and Old Norse. In Old English, it was "aweg" or "on weg", where "weg" meant "from this place" or "onward". In Old Norse, it was "á veg", meaning "on a journey" or "on the way". These terms gradually merged into "away" in Modern English.