雲隠れ

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 雲隠れ is read as くもがくれ and is a noun and する verb for hiding behind clouds or, figuratively, disappearing from public view.
• Basic usage: The literal scene appears in 月が雲隠れする, while a person’s disappearance appears in 責任者が雲隠れする.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Literal and figurative senses
  • The image of the moon hidden by clouds extends figuratively to a person vanishing, often as if avoiding attention or responsibility.
• Difference from 行方不明
  • 行方不明 objectively states that someone’s whereabouts are unknown; 雲隠れ can suggest deliberate concealment.