How to use Idiom "Under the radar" in English? Examples and tips from Grammar Experts

This idiom means to do something without attracting attention. Imagine a plane flying so low that it avoids detection by radar—that’s the essence of this idiom.

Prehistory of the Idiom

The phrase "under the radar" originates from military terminology, where aircrafts fly low to avoid detection by radar. Over time, it has come to signify actions taken discreetly or without attracting notice.

Short Advice

Use this idiom to describe actions or behaviors intended to avoid attention or scrutiny. It emphasizes discretion and subtlety.

Examples of Using "Under the radar" in Sentences:

1. "He managed to keep his new project under the radar until the launch." - He kept his project discreet until it was launched.

2. "She completed the task under the radar, without anyone noticing." - She did the task without attracting attention.

3. "The company’s strategy to expand has been under the radar so far." - The company’s expansion plans have been discreet.

4. "They kept their relationship under the radar for several months." - They kept their relationship discreet and unnoticed.

5. "His efforts to improve the process went under the radar but were very effective." - His discreet efforts were successful.

6. "The book became a bestseller after initially flying under the radar." - The book was not widely noticed at first.

7. "She prefers to work under the radar and let her results speak for themselves." - She prefers to work discreetly.

8. "Their innovative approach has remained under the radar in the industry." - Their approach has not attracted much attention.

9. "He has been operating under the radar to avoid media scrutiny." - He has been acting discreetly to avoid media attention.

10. "The changes were implemented under the radar to avoid controversy." - The changes were made discreetly.

11. "Her contributions often go under the radar, but they are significant." - Her contributions are not widely noticed but important.

12. "The artist’s work remained under the radar until recently." - The artist’s work was not widely noticed until recently.

13. "They have been under the radar, preparing for a major event." - They have been working discreetly in preparation.

14. "He accomplished a lot under the radar, without seeking recognition." - He achieved much without attracting attention.

15. "The project was kept under the radar to ensure its success." - The project was kept discreet to ensure success.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the idiom "under the radar."

1. "She managed to keep her promotion ________ until the official announcement."

2. "The startup grew ________, attracting little attention from competitors."

3. "His volunteer work often goes ________, but it makes a big impact."

4. "The spy operated ________ to avoid detection by enemy forces."

5. "They developed the new product ________ to surprise the market."

Exercise 2: Sentence Creation

Create your own sentences using the idiom "under the radar" to describe the following situations:

1. A student working on a special project without telling anyone:

   • Example: "He decided to keep his science project ________ until the school fair."

2. A company planning a new business strategy:

   • Example: "The company developed a new marketing strategy ________ to catch competitors off guard."

3. An author writing a book without publicizing it:

   • Example: "The author wrote her latest novel ________ and released it unexpectedly."

4. A friend organizing a surprise party:

   • Example: "She planned the surprise party ________ to ensure it remained a secret."

5. A person applying for jobs quietly while still employed:

   • Example: "He applied for new jobs ________ to avoid any issues at his current workplace."

Exercise 3: Scenario Analysis

Read the scenarios below and explain how "under the radar" would be a suitable approach.

1. Scenario: A tech company developing a groundbreaking new product.

   • Explanation: "Operating ________ would prevent competitors from copying their ideas."

2. Scenario: A student preparing a special gift for their parents.

   • Explanation: "Working ________ would ensure the gift is a complete surprise."

3. Scenario: An activist planning a campaign to address a controversial issue.

   • Explanation: "Keeping the plans ________ would avoid early backlash and ensure the campaign’s success."

4. Scenario: A team in a sports competition practicing new strategies.

   • Explanation: "Training ________ would prevent opponents from anticipating their moves."

5. Scenario: A musician recording an album without announcing it to fans.

   • Explanation: "Recording ________ would build excitement and surprise fans when it’s released."

Exercise 4: Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences to include the idiom "under the radar."

1. "She managed to complete the project without attracting any attention."

   • "She managed to complete the project ________."

2. "The band has been preparing for their comeback without letting anyone know."

   • "The band has been preparing for their comeback ________."

3. "His contributions to the community often go unnoticed."

   • "His contributions to the community often go ________."

4. "They developed the new software quietly, avoiding media attention."

   • "They developed the new software ________, avoiding media attention."

5. "The artist’s work was not widely noticed until recently."

   • "The artist’s work remained ________ until recently."

Exercise 5: Reflection

Reflect on a time when you had to operate "under the radar." Write a short paragraph describing the situation and how being discreet helped you manage it.

• "One time I had to operate ________ was when ________. Initially, I thought ________, but then ________. By being discreet and staying ________, I was able to ________."