in broad daylight
Meaning
In the daytime, in full light and public view—often implying boldness or lack of secrecy (e.g., a crime done openly).
Origin
“Broad” once commonly meant “wide/open/fully exposed.” So “broad daylight” emphasizes full, open daylight—i.e., clearly visible, not hidden—later often used for brazen acts done openly.
Notes
More emphatic than “during the day.” Often used when something shocking (esp. theft/violence) happens openly, implying brazenness.
Examples
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Someone stole my bike in broad daylight outside the library.
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The robbery happened in broad daylight, with people walking by.
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I can’t believe they dumped the trash in broad daylight and drove off.
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The paparazzi followed her in broad daylight, ignoring her requests for privacy.
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He was attacked in broad daylight just a block from his office.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an adverbial prepositional phrase: “(do something) in broad daylight.” Fixed wording; rarely changed (not *in wide daylight*). Can appear sentence-initial for emphasis.
Synonyms
- in daylight
- in plain sight
- in public
Antonyms
- in the dead of night
- under cover of darkness