hidden danger

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   a risk or threat that is not obvious and that people may not notice until it causes harm

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a hidden danger' for one, 'hidden dangers' for several.

   Patterns

   • a hidden danger of something
   • hidden dangers in something
   • pose a hidden danger

   The hidden danger of using public Wi-Fi is that strangers can see your data.

   Parents often worry about hidden dangers in online games.

   The report warned of hidden dangers in the new building materials.

Word forms

Common combinations

a hidden danger to health

Air pollution is a hidden danger to health in many cities.

the hidden danger of something

The hidden danger of skipping breakfast is low energy later.

hidden dangers in something

There are hidden dangers in sharing too much online.

pose a hidden danger

Old wiring can pose a hidden danger.

aware of a hidden danger

Few people are aware of the hidden danger.

Synonyms and how they differ

risk

A more general word for any chance of harm; 'hidden danger' stresses that the risk is not easily seen.

hazard

A more formal or technical word for a source of danger, often used in official warnings.

threat

Often suggests an intentional or obvious danger, while 'hidden danger' is usually unnoticed.

Opposites

Word family

danger noun

The general state of being unsafe or a person or thing that can hurt you.

dangerous adjective

Likely to cause harm.

hide verb

To put something where it cannot be seen.

Commonly confused: hidden danger or hidden agenda?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “hidden danger”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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