flew under the radar
Went undetected deliberately
To fly under the radar is to avoid detection or scrutiny, operating in a way that doesn't attract attention.
The expression comes from military aviation, where aircraft flying at very low altitudes can evade radar systems.
In everyday use, it describes people, actions, or things that go unnoticed, whether intentionally or not.
She flew under the radar for years before anyone realized she was running the whole operation.
That album flew under the radar when it came out but became a cult classic.
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- below the surfaceNot immediately apparent
- unseenNot perceived visually
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- overlookedNot noticed or considered
plain sight · slipped through the cracks · surreptitious · unnoticed · imperceptible · inconspicuous · stealth mode · clandestine · off the grid · calculated · covert · ignored · self-effacing · circumspect · indirect · tactical · veiled · strategic
flew under the radarstood out
Was notably conspicuous
made waves · in the spotlight · center of attention · went viral · raised eyebrows
flew under the radarmade a scene
Behaved dramatically in public
stole the show · showboated · grandstanded · flaunted · showed off