below the radar

USAGE SUMMARY

"below the radar" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is happening without attracting much attention or scrutiny. For example, "The company's new policy change took place below the radar, so not many people were aware of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

They went below the radar".

The New York Times

I keep well below the radar".

The New Yorker

It flies below the radar of reviews.

The New York Times

Scurry seemed to fly below the radar.

The New York Times - Sports

"They don't fly below the radar too well".

The New York Times - Sports

In fashion, being fabulous means flying way below the radar.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some administrators concede that things go on below the radar.

The New York Times

Another of his favourite electioneering phrases is "below the radar".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And there are other, below-the-radar cases as well.

The New York Times - Books

The fanfare accompanying the Houston initiatives contrasts with Cisneros's methodical, below-the-radar activity.

The New York Times - Magazine

The highlighting of attacks on education is another below-the-radar offshoot of Qatari funding.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "below the radar", ensure the context clearly indicates whether something is intentionally hidden or simply not attracting attention. For example, a company might operate "below the radar" to avoid competition, or a social issue might remain "below the radar" due to lack of media coverage.

Common error

Avoid using "below the radar" when something is actively being sought or investigated. The phrase implies a lack of detection, not necessarily an active evasion. If something is actively being hidden, phrases like "under wraps" or "in stealth mode" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the radar" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes how an action is performed or a state exists, implying that something is happening without attracting attention. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is usually used to describe something that is happening without attracting much attention or scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "below the radar" is a common and versatile expression used to describe something happening without attracting attention or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "under the radar" and "unnoticed" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that while "below the radar" implies a lack of detection, it doesn't necessarily mean active evasion, making context crucial for accurate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the radar

Implies a similar meaning, emphasizing the avoidance of attention or detection but is a more common variant.

low profile

Implies a deliberate effort to avoid publicity or prominence, often in a social or professional context.

in stealth mode

Suggests a deliberate strategy of operating secretly or discreetly, often used in business or technology contexts.

inconspicuous

Emphasizes a lack of visibility due to blending in or not drawing attention.

unobtrusive

Highlights the lack of imposition or interference, implying a gentle avoidance of attention.

undetected

Highlights the failure to be discovered or perceived, often in a context where something is being actively sought.

under wraps

Indicates something being kept secret or hidden from public knowledge.

out of sight

Focuses on being physically unseen or unnoticed, lacking the intentional avoidance aspect of the original phrase.

behind the scenes

Refers to actions or events happening privately or without public knowledge, usually within an organization or group.

unnoticed

A more general term simply indicating a lack of observation, without necessarily implying deliberate concealment.

FAQs

How can I use "below the radar" in a sentence?

You can use "below the radar" to describe something that is happening without attracting much attention. For instance, "The project stayed "below the radar" until its successful launch".

What can I say instead of "below the radar"?

You can use alternatives like "under the radar", "out of sight", or "unnoticed", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "below the radar" or "under the radar"?

Both "below the radar" and "under the radar" are correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference, though "under the radar" is slightly more common.

What's the difference between "below the radar" and "in stealth mode"?

"Below the radar" suggests something is not attracting attention, while "in stealth mode" implies a deliberate effort to operate secretly or discreetly.