Ever had that sudden moment when you realize you completely missed something — like a cool event, news, or a new trend — even though it was happening right under your nose? That’s exactly what the phrase “Whoa, this completely flew under my radar” captures: the surprise of discovering something you hadn’t noticed before.
What Does “Flew Under My Radar” Mean?
This expression comes from the world of radar technology, used by planes and ships to detect objects from far away. If something “flies under your radar,” it means it went unnoticed or escaped your attention, just like a plane avoiding radar detection.
Adding “Whoa” makes it clear you’re genuinely surprised or caught off guard by having missed it.
When Can You Use This Phrase?
You might say it when:
- You learn about a new movie or song you never heard of.
- You find out about an event or news you completely missed.
- You realize someone achieved something cool and you had no clue.
- Basically, anytime something important or interesting slips by without you noticing.
How to Use It Step-by-Step
- Identify What You Missed:
Pinpoint the topic — a new gadget, news, or achievement. - Show Surprise:
Use “Whoa,” “Wow,” or “Oh” to express your reaction. - Use the Phrase:
Say “this completely flew under my radar” to admit it went unnoticed. - Optional Context:
Explain why you missed it — maybe you were busy or not paying attention. - Optional Follow-up:
Share what you’ll do next or how you feel about catching up.
Example Conversations
Example 1:
A: “Did you check out the new café on Main Street?”
B: “Whoa, that completely flew under my radar! I had no idea it even opened.”
Example 2:
A: “Our team launched a new app last week.”
B: “Whoa, this totally slipped past me! I need to try it out.”
Tips for Natural Use
- Use it when genuinely surprised.
- Pair it with an exclamation for conversational flair.
- It fits well in casual chats, texts, and social media posts.
- Don’t overuse it—save it for real moments of surprise.
Final Thoughts
Saying “Whoa, this completely flew under my radar” is a fun, relatable way to admit you missed something interesting or important. It shows you’re paying attention now and maybe a little eager to catch up. Next time you discover something unexpected, try this phrase to share your surprise with style!