be on the radar (screen)

To be considered important or noteworthy; within the spectrum of (someone's) awareness, attention, or consideration. If you want this issue to be on the radar of mainstream America, you have to frame it as something that will hit people in their wallets. The band was hugely popular in the '80s, but they haven't been on the radar screen in the last decade or so. That kid's a good defensive player, but he'll never truly be on the radar until he's able to hit consistently.

below the radar

In a position in which someone or something will remain unnoticed or undetected. With so many different amendments to the bill being made, some appropriations slipped below the radar. I plan to stay below the radar until this controversy blows over. How was a massive instance of employee embezzlement like that kept below the radar for so long?

below the radar screen

In a position in which someone or something will remain unnoticed or undetected. With so many different amendments to the bill being made, some appropriations slipped below the radar screen. I plan to stay below the radar screen until this controversy blows over. How was a massive instance of employee embezzlement like that kept below the radar screen for so long?

blue screen of death

slang A humorous term for the blue screen that is sometimes displayed after a crash on a computer with a Windows operating system. So you've got a blue screen of death, huh? Have you tried restarting your computer? Oh no, a blue screen of death! Am I going to lose all the work I've done on this project? Call IT and see if they can take a look at this machine—I got a blue screen of death the last time I tried to use it.

on (one's) radar (screen)

Considered by one as important or noteworthy; within the spectrum of one's awareness, attention, or consideration. If you want this issue on people's radar, you have to frame it as something that will impact their wallets. This band wasn't on my radar screen six months ago, but they're one of my favorites now.

on the radar (screen)

Considered important or noteworthy; within the spectrum of (someone's) awareness, attention, or consideration. If you want this issue to be on the radar of mainstream America, you have to frame it as something that will hit people in their wallets. There are always going to be bands who suddenly appear on the radar screen, only to fade into obscurity just as quickly.

put up a smoke screen

To create a diversion or otherwise draw attention away from someone or something. Look, we need to put up a smoke screen so that the committee stops investigating the funds we embezzled. As soon as my mother starts prying into my dating life, I put up a smoke screen by asking my grandfather about his favorite fishing spots—a topic he could talk about for hours. Works every time!

screen in

To surround or enclose some area with mesh window or door frames. A noun or pronoun can be used between "screen" and "in." We decided to screen in the back patio, considering the volume of mosquitoes we'd have to contend with in the summer. I don't want to ruin our lovely view by screening the front porch in.

screen off

To partition something or a portion of something with a screen or other barrier to make it private or obscure it from view. A noun or pronoun can be used between "screen" and "off." To save money, Chris moved into the living room and screened off a space for his bed with an old bedsheet tacked up to the walls and ceiling. They've had to screen the movie set off with a giant makeshift fence so that onlookers don't learn any secrets about the film.

screen out

1. To act as a barrier in order to keep something from passing through to the other side. A noun or pronoun can be used between "screen" and "out." Their new smartphone app promises to screen out any calls from solicitors and scam artists. We've developed a new operating system mode for younger children that specifically screens mature or inappropriate content out as they browse the internet.

2. To deny admittance, acceptance, clearance, or approval to someone. A noun or pronoun can be used between "screen" and "out." I have a feeling they screened me out because I don't have a master's degree. The letting agency has been accused of screening out applicants based on their sexual orientation.

screen out of (something or some place)

1. To act as a barrier in order to keep something out of something or some place. A noun or pronoun is used between "screen" and "out." We're putting new practices and guidelines in place to help screen defective parts out of the earliest stages of the manufacturing process. We've developed a new operating system mode for younger children that specifically screens mature or inappropriate content out of their online browsing.

2. To deny admittance, acceptance, clearance, or approval of someone from some place or thing. A noun or pronoun is used between "screen" and "out." I have a feeling they screened me out of the hiring pool because I don't have a master's degree. The letting agency has been accused of screening applicants out of consideration based on their sexual orientation.

screen time

1. The amount of time an actor or character spends on screen in a movie or TV show. That guy should have gotten way more screen time in that movie—he was hilarious.

2. The amount of time one spends looking at or interacting with something with a screen, such as a TV, computer, phone, or other mobile device. I try to limit the kids' screen time, especially as it gets closer to bedtime.

smokescreen

1. Literally, a dense cloud of smoke, especially created by artificial means, used by the military to conceal positions, movements, or operations from the enemy. We've asked for air support to create a smokescreen so we can evacuate our troops in safety.

2. Any action or statement that functions to conceal or divert attention away from one's true plans, intentions, activities, motivations, etc. The news that the retailer is increasing their minimum wage across the country is really a smokescreen to cover the fact that they are making huge cuts to the benefits they offer. As soon as my mother starts prying into my dating life, I put up a smokescreen by asking my grandfather about his favorite fishing spots—a topic he could talk about for hours. Works every time!

the silver screen

dated Movies, or the movie industry collectively. The phrase originally referred to a type of movie screen. The silver screen was once acting's highest stage, but television has become the new destination for many A-list stars. Nothing compares to seeing an action blockbuster on the silver screen—it's larger than life!

the small screen

Television. A humorous play on "the big screen," meaning that of a movie theater. With recent shows like this having the production value of Hollywood blockbusters, there seems to be as much money and talent on the small screen as there is on the big screen. Many forget that the star got her start on the small screen in an obscure sitcom back in the '80s.

under the radar

In a position in which someone or something will remain unnoticed or undetected. With so many different amendments to the bill being made, some appropriations slipped under the radar. I plan to stay under the radar until this controversy blows over.

under the radar screen

In a position in which someone or something will remain unnoticed or undetected. With so many different amendments to the bill being made, some appropriations slipped under the radar screen. I plan to stay under the radar screen until this controversy blows over.

screen someone or something (off) (from someone or something)

to make someone or something out of sight or blocked off to someone or something by erecting a screen. We screened her off from the patient in the next bed. We screened off the yard from the street.

screen someone or something out of something

and screen someone or something out

to filter someone or something out of something. The test screened all the unqualified candidates out of the group. We screened out the suppliers who were not financially sound.

the silver screen

the cinema industry; cinema films collectively.

In the early days of cinematography, a projection screen was covered with metallic paint to give a highly reflective, silver-coloured surface.

the silver ˈscreen

(old-fashioned) the film industry: the heroes and heroines of the silver screen

the small ˈscreen

(the) television (when contrasted with cinema): Cinema films reach the small screen very quickly these days.

screen off

To separate, hide, or obscure something with a screen or similar barrier: I screened off the bed from the rest of the room with curtains. A high wall screens the porch off from the view of the ocean.

screen out

1. To prevent something from passing by using a filter; filter something out: This glass screens out the harmful ultraviolet rays. The e-mail filter identifies advertisements and screens them out.

2. To deny someone or something admittance or approval based on certain criteria: Background checks allow us to screen out all applicants with criminal records. They screened me out because I didn't meet the eligibility requirements.

blue screen of death

and BSOD

phr. & comp. abb. the blue computer screen that appears in early versions of Windows when Windows discovers a programming or operational error. Every time I run that program I get the BSOD. No matter what program causes the blue screen of death, Bill Gates gets the blame.

under the radar

Describing an action that cannot be detected. The term comes from aviation during World War II, where a plane is flying too low to be detected by the enemy’s radar. It soon was transferred to other situations, as in “I don’t want anyone to know I’m looking for another job, so keep my applications under the radar.” John Lescroart used it in A Plague of Secrets (2010), “Now I know . . . it hasn’t been the subject of much police concern so far . . . So up to now you’re all under the radar.”