The common phrase "neither hide nor hair" is spelled exactly as it sounds. Using IPA phonetic transcription, it can be written as /ˈnaɪðər haɪd nɔr hɛr/. The word "neither" is spelled with the silent letter "e," while "hide" and "hair" are pronounced with the same "ai" diphthong sound, but differ in their final consonants. This phrase is often used to express the absence of something or someone, as in "I searched the whole house, but found neither hide nor hair of my keys."
The phrase "neither hide nor hair" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the absence or complete disappearance of someone or something. It is often used to indicate the lack of any trace or evidence of a person or animal's presence, and is typically employed when an individual has been searched for extensively but without success.
The term "neither hide nor hair" is a metaphorical reference to the physical features of an animal or person; "hide" here pertains to the skin or fur covering, while "hair" is synonymous with the existence or presence of the individual. When both these elements are absent, it signifies the complete vanishing or unavailability of the subject.
This phrase is commonly employed in a variety of contexts. For example, if someone has gone missing and their whereabouts are unknown, it can be said that "neither hide nor hair" of them has been seen or heard. Alternatively, in situations where a valuable item or object has disappeared without any evidence of its destination, one might say that "neither hide nor hair" of it can be found.
Overall, "neither hide nor hair" implies a thorough search or investigation that has yielded no results, leaving no visible clues or indications of what has gone missing or where someone or something may be.