Using Hyphens correctly

Would it be acceptable to write the following using the hyphens below:

I am trying to get back to my pre-secret-mistress bliss.

Or should it be:

I am trying to get back to my pre-secret mistress bliss.

Is it ok to write:

It's taunting me like some just-out-of-reach nirvana.

Any advice would be appreciated. I have read a style guide on the subject and am now second-guessing myself. Thank you!

Solution 1:

As a guide, if the compound is functioning as an adjective, meaning it is followed by a noun, there should be a hyphen between each element in the phrase. This clarifies the meaning by joining them into one unit. A man-eating fish is different to a man eating fish, to use a very common example.

In your examples, pre-secret-mistress is preferable to pre-secret mistress, as the latter suggests that you are referring to the mistress you had pre-secret.

More information about hyphens in compounds here.