lie low

L

lie low (idiom)
/ˈlaɪ ˈloʊ/

Meanings

1. To keep quiet and avoid attention, especially to escape danger or trouble.
2. To stay hidden or out of public view until a situation is safe.
3. To act cautiously and not attract notice.
4. (Literal) To lie close to the ground.

Synonyms: hide; conceal; keep quiet; stay out of sight; duck.

Variants

• lying low
• lay low (common but grammatically debated)
• lie so low (rare, poetic)

Example Sentences

1. After the scandal, the politician decided to lie low until things calmed down.
2. The rebels were told to lie low in the mountains until reinforcements arrived.
3. During the investigation, he chose to lie low and avoided all media appearances.
4. The soldiers had to lie low in the grass to avoid being seen. (literal)
5. She was lying low at her aunt’s house so no one from the press could find her.
6. He lay low for several months after the fight to avoid revenge.
7. In the poem, the knight was said to lie so low beneath the fallen leaves.

Origin and History

The phrase “lie low” has a long history. Its literal meaning, “to lie down or keep low so as not to be seen,” dates back to the Middle English period in England. The figurative sense, “keep out of sight or maintain a low profile,” appears in early modern drama and became widespread in both Britain and America by the 19th century. Variants such as “lay low” and “lie doggo” developed later, reflecting grammatical confusion and slang influence.

Medieval Roots

The literal image behind “lie low” is medieval. From the 13th century onward, Middle English writings used “low” in the sense of “near the ground” and “lie” in the sense of “to rest or remain.” Together, they formed the idea of crouching or keeping one’s body close to the ground. This shows the phrase originates in England.

Early Modern Drama

By the early modern period, the phrase was in active use. A notable printed example appears in William Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing (1600):

“If he could right himself with quarrelling, / Some of us would lie low.”

Here, it carries the figurative sense of avoiding confrontation by staying out of sight.

19th-Century Idiom

The idiomatic meaning of “lie low” as “keep out of sight or keep a low profile” became especially common in the 19th century. American frontier expressions such as “Lay low and keep dark, stranger” illustrate how the phrase was used in everyday speech to advise caution, secrecy, or concealment.

Variants and Slang

The phrase developed several related forms. “Lay low” appeared as a common variant, often due to confusion between the verbs “lie” and “lay.” Slang expressions like “lie doggo” in British English also arose in the 19th and early 20th centuries, carrying the same meaning of hiding or remaining unnoticed.

Danger, Enemy

Last update: October 23, 2025 4:02 AM