In plain sight Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈpɫeɪn/ /ˈsaɪt
in PLAYN SYTE
ˈɪn/ /plˈeɪn/ /sˈaɪt
in playn SYTE
Definition
If something is 'in plain sight', it is clearly visible, not hidden or hard to see. It means anyone can see it easily.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used to express surprise that something obvious was overlooked. Often appears after the verb (e.g., 'It was hiding in plain sight'). Interchangeable with 'in full view'. Not formal, but neutral register.
Spanish: a la vista - a plena vistaPortuguese (BR): bem à vista - à mostraPortuguese (PT): bem à vista - à vista de todosChinese (Simplified): 显而易见Chinese (Traditional): 顯而易見Hindi: साफ़ नज़र में - खुली नज़र मेंArabic: على مرأى من الجميع - أمام الأعينBengali: সবার সামনে - দৃষ্টিগোচরেRussian: на виду - прямо на глазахJapanese: まさに見えるところに - 丸見えでVietnamese: ngay trước mắt - rõ ràngKorean: 눈앞에 - 훤히 보이는 곳에Turkish: göz önünde - apaçık ortadaUrdu: سب کے سامنے - صاف دکھائی دینے والی جگہ پرIndonesian: terlihat jelas - di depan mata
Example Sentences
The keys were in plain sight on the table.
basic
The answer was in plain sight, but I missed it.
basic
The book was in plain sight on the shelf.
basic
Sometimes the best ideas are in plain sight, but we overlook them.
natural
The cat was hiding in plain sight, blending in with the white couch.
natural
He left the note in plain sight so she would see it as soon as she came in.
natural