under the radar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the radar" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is happening without anyone noticing. For example, "The company president was making sneaky decisions under the radar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

— flew under the radar.

The New York Times

"They fly under the radar.

Independent

Still floating under the radar.

The New York Times - Sports

We'll stay under the radar.

The New York Times

/ secret, under the radar.

The New York Times

It's not exactly under the radar.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The under-the-radar bitchiness.

The Guardian

Under-The-Radar Screen.

Forbes

Related article: Under-the-radar India.

BBC

Another plus to being under-the-radar?

Forbes

Video: Under-The-Radar Holiday Gadgets.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the radar" to describe actions, plans, or strategies that are intentionally kept quiet to avoid opposition or unwanted attention. For example, "The company launched its new product "under the radar" to avoid alerting competitors".

Common error

Avoid assuming "under the radar" implies complete secrecy. It often means avoiding widespread attention while still being known to a select few. For example, a project might be "under the radar" from the general public but well-known within a specific industry.

How to use

Learn how to use "under the radar" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the radar" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates that something is done without attracting attention or notice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the radar" is a versatile idiom used to describe something happening without attracting notice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While primarily neutral in tone, its implications can range from strategic discretion to potential secrecy. Alternatives like "low profile" or "inconspicuously" offer similar meanings, though "under the radar" carries a specific connotation of intentional avoidance of detection. Remember to consider the context and desired nuance when choosing between "under the radar" and its alternatives. Understanding these subtleties ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low profile

Describes a deliberate attempt to minimize public visibility, differing from simply being unnoticed.

under wraps

Suggests information or activities being kept secret, often temporarily.

out of the spotlight

Focuses on avoiding public attention, shifting the emphasis from secrecy to visibility.

inconspicuous

Highlights the lack of noticeable qualities, differing from actively avoiding detection.

unnoticed

Emphasizes a failure to be observed rather than deliberate concealment.

secretly

Highlights the covert nature of an action, differing from simply avoiding notice.

covertly

Implies a planned and executed action in secrecy, adding an element of strategy.

stealthily

Suggests a quiet, careful approach to avoid detection, emphasizing method.

behind the scenes

Indicates activity happening privately, contrasting with being unnoticed in public.

without fanfare

Focuses on the absence of publicity or celebration, rather than secrecy.

FAQs

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

You can use "under the radar" to describe actions or entities that are intentionally avoiding attention. For example, "The new regulations were passed "under the radar", with little public debate".

What's a more formal way to say "under the radar"?

While "under the radar" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives include phrases like "inconspicuously", "discreetly", or "with a low profile". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always negative to be "under the radar"?

Not necessarily. Being "under the radar" can be strategic, allowing for quiet progress or avoiding unnecessary scrutiny. However, it can also suggest secrecy or a lack of transparency.

What's the difference between "flying under the radar" and simply being "unnoticed"?

"Flying "under the radar"" implies a deliberate effort to avoid attention, while being "unnoticed" suggests a lack of attention without intentional effort. One is active, the other passive.