PhrasesHub

Under the radar

    Definitions

      • not being noticed
        To do something without attracting attention or causing others to become aware of it, typically to avoid detection or scrutiny

      • being secretive
        To keep a low profile or maintain a sense of secrecy about one's actions or intentions, often to avoid drawing attention to oneself or one's activities

      • avoiding trouble
        To avoid getting into trouble or facing consequences, often by staying out of sight or remaining undetected by authorities or enemies

    Examples of Under the radar

    • The new startup has been operating under the radar for the past few months.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is not widely known or recognized. In this case, the startup has been operating quietly without attracting much attention or publicity.

    • The athlete's injury went under the radar during the game, and he was still able to perform at a high level.

      This idiom can also be used to describe something that is overlooked or not noticed. In this case, the athlete's injury was not immediately apparent, and it went unnoticed by the spectators and commentators.

    • The company's new product launch was kept under the radar to avoid any unnecessary competition or copycats.

      This idiom can also be used to describe something that is intentionally kept secret or hidden from view. In this case, the company wanted to avoid any unwanted attention or copycats by keeping the product launch under wraps.

    • The politician's past mistakes have been swept under the radar during the campaign.

      This idiom can also be used to describe something that is deliberately ignored or overlooked. In this case, the politician's past mistakes were not brought up during the campaign, and they were effectively swept under the rug.

    • The hacker's cyber attacks went under the radar for several weeks before they were discovered.

      This idiom can also be used to describe something that is not immediately apparent or detected. In this case, the hacker's cyber attacks were not immediately discovered, and they went unnoticed for several weeks.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "under the radar" is used to describe actions or behaviors that are intentionally done in a way that avoids being noticed or detected. This can refer to avoiding attention from others or avoiding potential consequences or trouble. It can also imply a sense of secrecy or keeping a low profile.

    The phrase is often used in situations where someone is trying to avoid being caught doing something, whether it is a sneaky or potentially harmful activity. It can also be used in a more positive sense, such as someone trying to quietly do a good deed without seeking recognition.

    Origin of "Under the radar"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to military terminology. During World War II, radar technology was used for detection and tracking of enemy aircraft. The phrase "under the radar" was used to describe a plane that was flying at a low altitude, below the range of detection of the enemy's radar.

    Over time, the phrase became more widely used in everyday language to describe actions or behaviors that went unnoticed or undetected. It is now commonly used in various contexts, from describing covert operations to someone trying to avoid attention in a social setting.

    Examples of the idiom being used can be found as early as the 1970s in literature and film, and it has since become a popular phrase in colloquial language. Its origin in military terminology adds a sense of intrigue and secrecy to the phrase, making it a fitting expression for situations where one wants to stay hidden or unnoticed.