In plain view Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈpɫeɪn/ /ˈvju
in PLAYN VYOO
ˈɪn/ /plˈeɪn/ /vjˈuː
in playn VYOO
Definition
If something is "in plain view," it is completely visible and easy to see; it is not hidden.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal contexts, often used in legal, police, or news language. Refers to something being easily seen—sometimes implying it was surprising no one hid it. Synonyms: 'in full view', 'out in the open'. Opposite: 'out of sight' or 'hidden'.
Spanish: a plena vistaPortuguese (BR): à vista - à mostraPortuguese (PT): à vista - à mostraChinese (Simplified): 明显可见地 - 当众Chinese (Traditional): 明顯可見地 - 當眾Hindi: साफ दिखाई देने वाली जगह मेंArabic: في مرأى من الجميع - على الملأBengali: স্পষ্ট দৃশ্যমান স্থানে - খোলা জায়গায়Russian: на виду - на видном местеJapanese: 丸見えで - 隠れずに見える場所でVietnamese: rõ ràng trước mắt - ở nơi dễ thấyKorean: 훤히 보이는 곳에 - 눈에 잘 띄는 곳에Turkish: göz önünde - açıkça görülebilir yerdeUrdu: صاف نظر آنے والی جگہ پر - سب کے سامنےIndonesian: terlihat jelas - di tempat terbuka
Example Sentences
The painting was hanging in plain view on the wall.
basic
The keys were left in plain view on the table.
basic
The answer was written in plain view on the board.
basic
He hid nothing—everything was in plain view from the start.
natural
The thief walked right past the camera, totally in plain view.
natural
Sometimes, the answer is hiding in plain view and we just miss it.
natural