If you’re looking for a term or expression that encapsulates something valuable but often unappreciated, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ll look at 8 alternative phrases that you can use to mix up your phrasing from time to time.
Thereafter, we’ll discuss the correctness of the phrase hidden gem.
8 Alternative Ways to Say “Hidden Gem”
Have a look at these 8 different sayings that have a similar meaning to hidden gem:
- Underrated
- Hole-in-the-wall
- Untapped treasure
- Lucky find
- Diamond in the rough
- Overlooked
- Off the beaten path
- Few and far between
1. Underrated
Our first synonym for hidden gem is underrated. This term essentially means that something is not rated highly enough for one reason or another.
Something could be considered underrated because it is a hidden gem that is often not noticed by casual observers.
For example, a place or thing people don’t know about will usually be underrated despite its inherent value.
To see how to use the term underrated, have a look at the example below:
Megamindis one of the most underrated films in the world due to the lack of solid marketing at the time of its release.
2. Hole-in-the-Wall
The phrase hole-in-the-wall is suitable for an establishment that is small, inconspicuous, and tucked away.
This alternative is a tad distinct from the phrase hidden gem. After all, a hole-in-the-wall establishment is usually dingy or quaint.
However, nothing is stopping a restaurant or shop from being both a hole-in-the-wall and a hidden gem.
Because of its small and unimpressive appearance, a hole-in-the-wall establishmentmay not be given the value it is owed.
However, small, quaint places can often surprise you!
Check out the example sentence below:
During our travels, we came across a hole-in-the-walltavern called The Merchant’s Inn.
3. Untapped Treasure
Another way to say hidden gem is untapped treasure.
An untapped treasure is something with immense value that has yet to be exploited. This could be because the treasure in question is a hidden gem.
Like the original phrase, this synonym refers to something remarkable that has gone unnoticed.
Therefore, you could use this phrase to refer to a place that lacks popularity or foot traffic. You can also use it to refer to a natural resource or even just a concept.
To see what we mean, see the example below:
There is an untapped treasure of knowledge and insight on social media platforms that older generations are certainly missing out on.
4. Lucky Find
You can call something a lucky find when it turns out to be unexpectedly helpful or beneficial to you or others.
After all, the term “lucky” implies that you only came upon such a thing out of pure good fortune.
In short, you may not have been expecting to be helped by the thing in question, but you feel lucky to have found it!
From this explanation, you can see how lucky find is a good indirect alternative to hidden gem.
Namely, you can use either term to refer to something unexpectedly valuable.
For example:
This pathway is a lucky find; it takes us right through the forest, cutting our journey in half.
5. Diamond in the Rough
In a more general sense, the phrase diamond in the rough refers to something with huge potential that lacks refinement or polishing.
We usually use this phrase to refer to a person who has talents or good qualities but who lacks training, education, or technical skills.
As you can see, diamond in the rough is a fairly direct synonym for hidden gem, as both refer to something of value beneath a rough exterior.
The only difference is the context in which we use these expressions.
Let’s see a sample sentence with this alternative in tow:
Lillian is a diamond in the rough; with some singing lessons, she could bring the entire opera house to its feet.
6. Overlooked
Another word for hidden gem is overlooked.
You can call something overlooked when its value has gone unnoticed, perhaps because of its appearance or location.
Moreover, to call something overlooked implied that you believe it is worthy of notoriety and consideration, much like hidden gem.
This makes it a direct synonym for other terms on our list, such as underrated.
See how we’ve used this synonym in an example:
The natural beauty of the Democratic Republic of Congo is often overlooked by tech companies, who only have an interest in the exploitable resources kept within the country’s bounds.
7. Off the Beaten Path
You would usually call a place off the beaten path if it were isolated or simply not a well-known or popular destination for most people.
After all, the “beaten path” refers to a path that has been flattened by the footsteps of traversing travelers.
Thus, going off the beaten path means going a route that does not follow the standard path most people choose.
A place may be considered both off the beaten path and a hidden gem, especially if it is surprisingly remarkable.
However, off the beaten path does not specifically refer to the value of a place. It simply comments on its lack of foot traffic.
Have a look at this example sentence:
There are several lovely fishing lakes that you will find off the beaten path.
8. Few and Far Between
Our final synonym for hidden gem is the phrase few and far between.
This is a more general phrase that you can use to refer to anything scarce or infrequent. This can refer to an object, a place, or a person’s character.
All that matters is that the qualities of the thing in question are rare.
Essentially, this phrase means that the thing you are talking about is not easy to come across. This makes it inherently valuable.
Moreover, since it is one of only a few, and it is difficult to find, we can consider it akin to a hidden gem.
Consider our final example:
Fabrics of this quality are few and far between, so be sure to wash them with cold water and only dry them in the sun.
Is It Correct to Say “Hidden Gem”?
It is perfectly correct to say that something is a hidden gem.
Essentially, the phrase hidden gem is an idiom that one can use when they are referring to something remarkable or valuable that doesn’t get enough recognition or appreciation for this.
For instance, it could be something that does not appear valuable, so people don’t notice it. Alternatively, it could simply be difficult to find.
The best way to understand how to use this phrase is with a couple of example sentences:
Madam Marlow’s bead shop is a hidden gem, tucked quietly on the outskirts of the hillside village.
There are a number of hidden gems around this city, so it’s important to observe your surroundings carefully.
So, we know that the phrase hidden gem is a perfectly correct metaphor for anything with value that is difficult to spot at first glance.
However, it’s important not to overuse this phrase, particularly in your creative writing.
To keep things fresh and diverse, check out our list of useful synonyms for hidden gem.
