hidden in plain view

Concealed or unseen despite being in full, unrestricted view. Oh, my candy is hidden in plain view—I just put it in that old, empty coffee can on the counter! Those crooks were hidden in plain view all this time? Geez, talk about terrible police work! I wouldn't be surprised if the kidnapped girl is hidden in plain view now. They could have easily just whisked her into a crowded store.

hide (someone or something) in plain view

To conceal someone or something so that they or it go unnoticed despite being in full, unrestricted view. Oh, I hide my candy in plain view—I just put it in that old, empty coffee can on the counter! I wouldn't be surprised if they're hiding the kidnapped girl in plain view. They probably ducked into a crowded store and are blending in with their surroundings. I've been wearing an engagement ring for three days, hiding it in plain view, and none of you noticed!

hide in plain view

1. To remain unseen despite being in full, unrestricted view. You know, I bet those crooks are hiding in plain view. They probably ducked into a crowded store and are blending in with the other customers. Oh, I hide my candy in plain view—I just put it in that old, empty coffee can on the counter! I wouldn't be surprised if they're hiding the kidnapped girl in plain view now. They could have easily just whisked her into a crowded store.

2. To remain unchanged without protest or complaint despite being plainly or obviously apparent. The inequality of living conditions faced by people of different backgrounds in this city has been hiding in plain view for decades. Mental health issues just hide in plain view when people can't get the care they need. No one administration can address all the problems that have been hiding in plain view for decades.