Definition

Verb (intransitive) 1. To try to avoid detection or attention, especially by authorities: To hide or keep oneself from being noticed, often to evade trouble or danger. 2. To keep a low profile; to be inconspicuous: To deliberately avoid drawing attention to oneself or one's activities.

Usage

This phrasal verb describes a state of hiding or maintaining a very discreet presence. It is often used when someone needs to avoid being found, typically by law enforcement, rivals, or the public, after being involved in a problematic situation. It implies a temporary period of inactivity and secrecy.

Examples

• The fugitive decided to lie low in a remote cabin until the search cooled off.
• After the scandal, the politician was advised to lie low and avoid the media.
• "We should lie low for a few days after the prank, in case the principal is looking for us."

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used in both literal (physical hiding) and figurative (avoiding public attention) contexts.
• It often carries a connotation of waiting for a situation to improve or for danger to pass before resuming normal activity.

Variants and Related Words

• Lay low: A common informal variant of "lie low." While "lie low" is traditionally considered the standard form for the meaning "to hide," "lay low" is frequently used in modern, informal English with the same meaning.
  • Example: He had to lay low after the argument with his boss.

Synonyms

• Hide out: To stay hidden in a place.
• Keep one's head down: To avoid attention or trouble.
• Go to ground: To hide, especially to evade pursuers.
• Stay under the radar: To avoid being detected or noticed.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Lie low does not typically combine with other particles to form additional, distinct phrasal verbs with this specific meaning. Its meaning is contained within the phrase itself.

Related Idioms

• Keep a low profile: This idiom is a direct synonym, meaning to avoid doing things that will make people notice you.
  • Example: Until the investigation is over, you need to keep a low profile.

Verb

1. to try to avoid detection especially by police
   • After we knock off that liquor store we'll have to lay low for a while
2. keep a low profile, try to be inconspicuous