潜む

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 潜む is read as ひそむ and is an intransitive verb for a person or creature hiding, or for a danger remaining unseen within something.
• Basic usage: An insect hiding in grass appears in 草むらに虫が潜む, while danger lurking in a design appears in 仕組みに危険が潜む.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Concrete and abstract presence
  • It applies both to a concealed creature and to an unexpected risk embedded in a system.
• Difference from 隠れる
  • Compared with the general verb for hiding, this word more strongly suggests secret concealment or latent danger.