THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A hidden gem
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Something excellent or valuable that relatively few people know about.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- We found a hidden gem of a bookshop down a quiet side street.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
We found ________ of a bookshop down a quiet side street.
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A hidden gem — Something excellent or valuable that relatively few people know about.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A hidden gem” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Something excellent or valuable that relatively few people know about.
Compare: We found a hidden gem of a bookshop down a quiet side street.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it positively for an overlooked place, book, feature or other discovery. It suits friendly conversation and informal reviews.
More examples in context
- That short essay is a hidden gem in the collection.
- The little seating area behind the hall turned out to be a hidden gem.
Usage note
Hidden refers to being little known, not necessarily physically concealed. It is praise, so use it for something you consider especially good.
A short conversation
A: Was there anywhere pleasant to sit near the station?
B: Yes, a tiny courtyard café. It was a hidden gem.
A: I would like to try it next time.
One more practice question
Which place could naturally be called a hidden gem?
A. An excellent little-known garden that visitors often overlook.
B. A widely advertised attraction that everyone already knows.
Check your answer
A. The garden combines high quality with being relatively unknown.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.