go to ground

verb4

1. •
   (UK) Of an animal, to escape into a burrow, hole, etc. when being hunted.

   • The fox escaped from the hounds by going to ground.
2. •
   To hide from public view or sequester oneself, especially when authorities, members of the news media, or others are looking for one.

   • It was more than enough for my fugitives to clear out of the Lausanne station and make some new move, to hide away in an out-of-the-way spot, go to ground in fact, or travel in another direction. — 1906
3. •
   (UK) To fall to the ground, lose one's footing, come off one's feet, whether by design, accident, or foul

   • He defends well and his recovery is good, meaning he can get up and get back at people if he goes to ground. — 2004
4. •
   (UK) (of the ball) to touch the ground; to be dropped

   • Iftikhar slams the next but it goes to ground just short of Jordan at long on. — 2024