exposed / found out
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exposed
Describes the state when a secret, often illegal or undesirable activity, plan, or deception has been discovered and revealed.
Der Spion ist nach monatelanger Observation endlich aufgeflogen.
After months of surveillance, the spy was finally exposed.
'Aufgeflogen' (exposed/found out) is the past participle of the separable verb 'auffliegen'. Literally, 'auffliegen' means to fly upward, but figuratively it means that a secret or plan suddenly becomes known.
Der geheime Plan der Firma ist durch einen anonymen Hinweis aufgeflogen.
The company's secret plan was exposed through an anonymous tip.
This word is almost always used as a predicate adjective with the verb 'sein' (to be). The structure is: someone or something + 'ist' + 'aufgeflogen' (has been exposed / has been found out).
Die ganze Bande ist nach langen Ermittlungen aufgeflogen.
The whole gang was exposed after long investigations.
Typically, things that are secret or illegal 'fliegen auf' (are exposed), for example: a lie, a fraud, a secret plan, a spy, or an affair.
Seine Lüge über den Job ist schnell aufgeflogen.
His lie about the job was quickly exposed.
come out / emerge
Herausgekommen means generally that information or a truth has become known. Aufgeflogen is especially appropriate when a secret deception or unwanted activity has been discovered. Aufgeflogen is therefore more fitting for a scheme that has been exposed.
Durch die Kontrolle ist die geheime Täuschung aufgeflogen.
The inspection exposed the secret deception.
Durch die Kontrolle ist die Wahrheit über die Absprachen herausgekommen.
The inspection brought the truth about the arrangements to light.
