What is the origin of the idiom "go to ground" and when to use it?

The idiom "go to ground" originated from hunting terms, where it described animals finding safety in their underground homes to avoid being captured. Later, people started using it to describe when someone hides or disappears, like an animal seeking refuge underground. This phrase can be used in storytelling, crime-related contexts, or even metaphorically to describe someone withdrawing from public view or choosing seclusion.