Idiom
lay low
Meanings
To avoid attention by staying hidden, quiet, or inactive for a period of time.
To keep a low profile to avoid trouble with authorities, enemies, or public criticism.
Definition
To lay low means to stay hidden and avoid attention, especially to avoid trouble.
To lay low means to keep a low profile and avoid being noticed. People lay low to stay out of trouble, avoid danger, or escape criticism. It often suggests staying quiet, not going out much, and not drawing attention until the situation calms down.
Examples
- After the argument online, she decided to lay low for a while.
- The reporter was asking questions, so we laid low and avoided the lobby.
- If you’re feeling sick, just lay low this weekend and rest.
- He laid low until the rumors died down.
- They told him to lay low until the investigation was over.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the forms and say "lie low" or "lay low" incorrectly; in everyday speech "lay low" is common, but the past tense is usually "laid low" in this meaning.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.