I learned from google that "Hidden in Plain Sight" is a movie title. Since I caught up the expression without context, I tried to use it. Now, I'm not sure whether it can be used without making reference to the movie.
Can I say "This […] was hidden in plain sight" referring to something that should have been obvious for everyone involved, but was overlooked due to way people approached the problem.
The context is a non-technical introduction to an academic thesis.
Best Answer
Yes it can. "Hidden in plain sight" isn't a widely known idiom however, so make sure it's obvious to your reader.