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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.
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 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 outto 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.
on somebody's radar (screen)
also on the radar (screen) among the things being considered by someone
The problem of trash disposal is on everyone's radar screen right now. This status puts the city on the radar screens of big corporations. Usage notes: often used with words like not, off, and under to mean that something is not considered: The disease is sometimes not even on a doctor's radar screen. Some of these companies operate under everyone's radar.
Etymology: from the literal meaning of radar (a system that uses radio waves to follow the movement of aircraft or other objects)
the silver screen
(old-fashioned) the cinema All the stars of the silver screen are here tonight to celebrate this great occasion.
See give to on a platterscreen off
v. 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
v.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.
on (one's) radar
/radar screen In one's conscious awareness as a possibility or as an existing phenomenon: The governor said that running for president was not even on her radar screen.