to be exposed / to fly up / to fly open
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to be exposed
The sudden discovery or exposure of an illegal, secret, or forbidden activity, plan, or organization.
Die Betrügerbande ist nach monatelangen Ermittlungen endlich aufgeflogen.
After months of investigation, the gang of fraudsters was finally exposed.
to fly up
To suddenly and quickly fly upward, usually referring to birds that are startled.
Als der Hund ins Gebüsch sprang, sind alle Vögel aufgeflogen.
When the dog jumped into the bushes, all the birds flew up.
to fly open
The sudden opening of a door, window, or lid, often caused by wind or force.
Durch den starken Windstoß ist die unverschlossene Haustür aufgeflogen.
Because of the strong gust of wind, the unlocked front door flew open.
'Auffliegen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' goes to the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
Der geheime Plan flog im letzten Moment auf.
The secret plan was exposed at the last moment.
The perfect tense of 'auffliegen' is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' because it describes a sudden change or a movement. So you say 'ist aufgeflogen' (has been exposed / flew up / flew open).
Die Spionageaffäre ist gestern aufgeflogen.
The espionage affair was exposed yesterday.
The meaning depends on the subject. If it is people, plans, or secrets that 'auffliegen' (are exposed), they are discovered. If it is birds, they fly upward. If it is doors or windows, they open suddenly.
Die Fälscherwerkstatt ist bei einer Razzia aufgeflogen.
The counterfeiting workshop was exposed during a raid.
In the meaning 'entdeckt werden' (to be discovered/exposed), the verb is used in a passive-like way. The person or group being discovered is the subject of the sentence. You cannot actively say: 'Die Polizei flog die Bande auf.'
Der Korruptionsskandal flog durch einen anonymen Hinweis auf.
The corruption scandal was exposed through an anonymous tip.
to come out
Rauskommen and auffliegen can both describe a secret becoming known. Rauskommen is neutral and only says that the information comes to light; auffliegen emphasizes that a secret or forbidden deception is suddenly discovered. In the case of fraud, auffliegen is therefore especially appropriate.
Der Betrug flog auf, als die Kundin die Rechnung prüfte.
The fraud was exposed when the customer checked the bill.
Nach einigen Wochen kam heraus, wer die Zahlen verändert hatte.
After a few weeks, it came to light who had changed the figures.
