in plain view
Not at all hidden
In plain view means clearly visible, not hidden or concealed.
The phrase often appears in legal contexts—police may seize contraband in plain view without a warrant.
More generally, it describes something obvious or unconcealed: The keys were in plain view on the counter the whole time.
She conducted the affair in plain view of the whole office.
- obviousEasily perceived, unmistakable
- clear as dayCompletely obvious, undeniable
- visibleAble to be seen
- openNot closed
- unhiddenNot kept secret
exposed · for all to see · unobstructed · naked eye · broad daylight · warrantless · accessible · evidence · detectable · public · inspection · apparent · noticeable · seen · surveillance · disclosed · discernible · revealed
in plain viewhidden
Kept out of sight
concealed · out of sight · hidden from view · invisible · obscured
in plain viewhidden away
Stored out of view
hidden · concealed · stashed · secreted · tucked away
in plain viewobscure
Unknown to most
cryptic · coded · between the lines · implicit · subliminal
plain, view, plainly, plainness, plains, plainer, plainest, viewer, views