fly under the radar: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fly under the radar’ mean?
The idiom "fly under the radar" means to go unnoticed or stay hidden from attention or detection, often to avoid scrutiny or to do something secretly or quietly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "under the radar" means to go unnoticed or undetected, especially in a way that avoids attention, scrutiny, or surveillance.
The idiom "keep quiet" means to remain silent or not speak, especially when it is important to do so in order to maintain secrecy, avoid trouble, or not reveal information.
The idiom "keep one's head down" means to avoid drawing attention or staying out of trouble in order to stay safe or unnoticed in a dangerous or difficult situation.
The idiom "keep a low profile" means to avoid attracting attention or publicity, and to remain inconspicuous or discreet in one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "in the dark" means being unaware or uninformed about something, lacking knowledge or understanding. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is kept ignorant or intentionally left out of important information or events.
The idiom "in the dark" is commonly used to mean someone is uninformed or unaware of something. It dates back to the late 17th century and has its roots in the concept of literal darkness.
The idiom "hide one's light under a bushel" means to conceal or downplay one's talents, abilities, or achievements.
The idiom "hide in plain sight" means to conceal oneself or something in a way that is not obvious or easily noticed, even though it is in a highly visible or noticeable place.
The idiom "hidden in plain sight" means that something is not easily noticed or recognized, even though it is easily visible or apparent to everyone. It implies that the object or information is so commonly found that it remains unnoticed by most people.
The idiom "get away with" means to do something wrong or illegal without being caught or punished.
The idiom "fly the coop" means to escape or leave a place abruptly, often used to refer to someone leaving a difficult or confining situation quickly.
The idiom "fly the coop" has origins in the 19th century United States. It is commonly used to mean escaping or leaving a place quickly, often with a sense of liberating oneself.
Unseen and Unnoticed
The idiom "fly under the radar" is commonly used in the United States and has its origins in aviation. It was first used during World War II to describe flying missions at a low altitude in order to avoid detection by enemy radar systems. Pilots who successfully flew under the radar were able to proceed undetected and complete their missions with minimal risks. Over time, the phrase began to be used metaphorically, expanding its scope beyond aviation.
Today, "fly under the radar" is a phrase that is often employed in everyday speech. It is used to describe individuals who prefer to maintain a low profile, evading attention and carrying out activities discreetly. Whether it is in a personal or professional context, the idiom can highlight someone who achieves success or accomplishments without attracting undue notice or praise. It can also refer to a business or organization that operates quietly without much public attention.
In social situations, "fly under the radar" can also apply to someone who avoids controversy, gossip, or conflict. This individual chooses to remain uninvolved and unscathed by potential disturbances, much like an aircraft successfully navigating away from radar detection. By keeping a low profile, they are able to maintain harmony and avoid contentious issues.
It is not just individuals who can "fly under the radar." Objects, concepts, and ideas can also avoid close scrutiny or remain inconspicuous. For example, a small company developing an innovative product may fly under the radar of larger competitors until their product gains sudden popularity. Similarly, a novel idea or concept may take time to gain recognition, operating discreetly until it gains critical mass.
While "fly under the radar" generally conveys a positive connotation of achieving success or avoiding undesired attention, it can also have negative implications. It may imply someone intentionally evading responsibility, authority, or accountability. Additionally, it can suggest a lack of ambition, as individuals who constantly fly under the radar may be perceived as avoiding challenges and opportunities for growth.
Overall, the idiom "fly under the radar" has its roots in aviation during World War II, describing the act of flying undetected by enemy radar. It has since evolved to encompass a broader metaphorical meaning, symbolizing individuals, objects, or ideas that prefer to avoid attention or scrutiny. In various contexts, the idiom highlights discretion, achieving goals quietly, or avoiding controversy. While often associated with success and avoiding undesired attention, it can also carry negative associations of evasion and lack of ambition.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "fly under the radar" can be used in a sentence:
- He likes to fly under the radar at work, quietly getting his tasks done without seeking attention or recognition.
- The small restaurant has managed to fly under the radar of food critics, allowing them to operate in a more low-key manner.
- The politician tried to fly under the radar by avoiding controversial topics during the debate.
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