under the radar

Meaning

To go completely unnoticed, undetected, or ignored by the general public, media, or people in authority. In entertainment, it often refers to excellent movies, books, or artists that do not get mainstream attention.

Examples

• This indie film went completely under the radar last year, but it's actually a masterpiece.

  This indie film went completely under the radar last year, but it's actually a masterpiece.

• He tried to keep his relationship under the radar to avoid media attention.

  He tried to keep his relationship under the radar to avoid media attention.

• The minor bug in the software slipped under the radar during the final testing phase.

  The minor bug in the software slipped under the radar during the final testing phase.

• She prefers to work under the radar without getting caught up in office politics.

  She prefers to work under the radar without getting caught up in office politics.

• There are many brilliant musicians who remain under the radar their entire careers.

  There are many brilliant musicians who remain under the radar their entire careers.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The movie went below the radar.

  ✓ The movie went under the radar.

  While 'below' and 'under' have similar meanings, the fixed idiom is strictly 'under the radar'.

• ✗ He kept his plans under radar.

  ✓ He kept his plans under the radar.

  The definite article 'the' is a mandatory part of this idiomatic phrase.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Many amazing video games slip ___ because they lack a big marketing budget.

  💡 Go unnoticed or undetected.

  Show answer

  under the radar

• The celebrity tried to keep their vacation ___ to avoid paparazzi.

  💡 Secretive or unnoticed.

  Show answer

  under the radar