Under the radar

Meaning

The idiom "under the radar" means to be unnoticed or hidden from someone's perception, usually because the person is doing something illegal or undesirable. It can also refer to something that is not being actively watched or monitored by authorities or others who might discover or reveal it.

Usage

• The hackers managed to infiltrate the company's system without anyone noticing, as they were working under the radar.
• The government is conducting a secret operation that is operating under the radar of public awareness.
• The thief was able to pull off his crime without leaving any evidence or being caught because he worked under the radar of the cameras and security guards.
• The whistleblower's information about the company's illegal practices went under the radar of the media until it was leaked to a journalist.
• The new employee started out working under the radar, but gradually gained the trust and respect of his colleagues.

Roots and History

The idiom "under the radar" originated in the 1960s during the Cold War era. It was used to describe military aircraft that were flying undetected by radar systems, which could potentially be used by enemy forces to launch surprise attacks on targets. The phrase became popularized in pop culture through movies and TV shows that featured spy operatives and secret missions that required stealth and evasion from detection. Over time, the idiom has been used in a broader sense to refer to any activity or information that is being kept hidden from public view or scrutiny. It can also be used to describe personal behavior or decisions that are not considered mainstream or socially acceptable.

Synonyms in English

• In the shadows
• In hiding
• Off the beaten path
• Under wraps
• Behind closed doors

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "fuera del radar"
• French: "en dessous du radar"
• German: "unter dem Radar"
• Italian: "fuori dal radar"
• Japanese: "転倒状態の中で" (teitai no naka de)

Similar Idioms

• up the ante

• up to the mark

• up in the air