Are you looking for a way to describe secrets hiding in plain sight? You could use “Horcrux” to describe what you’re looking for in your search. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The word “Horcrux” is a neologism brought into modern language by J. K Rowling and her hugely successful Harry Potter franchise of novels. The Horcrux is an evil object of mystery, but the book refers to it as a mysterious object hiding in plain sight.
So, when you say you’re looking for the Horcrux, you’re searching for a solution that’s in plain sight. The answer will not seem obvious until you discover it, and then you’ll wonder why you didn’t notice it sooner.
A Horcrux is a hidden piece of information, usually with evil or esoteric nature. It can refer to an evil artifact that everyone fears. So, it makes sense that the use of the word can refer to things hiding in plain sight.
Example Usage
“We’re all searching for the Horcrux. It’s something that’s hidden in plain sight. Keep your eyes peeled for it, or you might miss it.”
“J.K Rowling is an amazing author. She invented so many new neologies. From “muggles” to “Horcrux,” there are so many innovative examples in her novels.”
“If something is hidden in plain sight, it’s called a ‘Horcrux.’ It should be obvious to people, but it takes them a while to catch on to it.”
“The Harry Potter books are full of surprises. The stories are so engaging, from the way the author structures the story to the Horcrux and twists and turns that keep you turning the pages.”
“Ah, so you haven’t discovered the Horcrux then? It’s what you’re looking for whenever you’re reading one of J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter books.”
“The Horcrux always seems obvious when you discover it, but until then, it stays hidden out of sight. It’s very clever storytelling, don’t you think?”
Origin
The expression “Horcrux” originates from Ancient Greece. Hero the Foul created the Horcrux in Greek mythology. J.K Rowling adopted the use of the “Horcrux” into her work in the “Harry Potter” series of books.
In the Harry Potter Franchise, Lord Voldemort creates the Horcrux, and he was the only person to create more than one Horcrux in the series. The concept and nature of Horcruxes that their creators kept them from other wizards.
Harry’s school, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, forbade the study of the Horcrux, with Albus Dumbledore adamantly enforcing this rule. Few books that discuss the Dark Arts mention Horcruxes.
The book “Magick Moste Evile” contained information on advanced dark arts but barely glanced at the Horcrux topic. The book states it is a topic that is so evil it should not be discussed under any circumstances. “The Secrets of the Darkest Art” is the only book containing detailed information on creating Horcruxes.
Phrases Similar to Horcrux
- Hidden in plain sight.
- Hidden meaning.
- Esoteric knowledge/symbolism.
Phrases Opposite to Horcrux
- Obvious.
- Red herring.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Horcrux.
Ways People May Say Horcrux Incorrectly
Since Horcrux is a relatively new neologism invented by J.K Rowling, people unfamiliar with the Harry Potter franchise might not understand what you mean when using the word. Avoid using it around people in the “Baby Boomer” generation who are less likely to understand its meaning.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Horcrux
Since the Harry Potter series was so successful, the word “Horcrux” has widespread understanding in communities across the globe. You can use it to describe any clue hiding in plain sight, and many people will understand what you’re referencing with the word.
The phrase suits social use in situations where you’re telling people to keep their eyes open for a symbol or clue that might lead to a revelation in solving a problem. It’s more common for people from Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z generations to understand the term's meaning.