keep one's head down

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

keep one's head down (third-person singular simple present keeps one's head down, present participle keeping one's head down, simple past and past participle kept one's head down)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see keep,‎ one,‎ head,‎ down.

   I had to keep my head down so my ex wouldn't recognize me as I walked by.

2. (idiomatic) To avoid trouble or attention.

   He's keeping his head down after being blasted for his offensive tweets.

Usage notes

• Not to be confused with the British expression head down, bum up in reference to working or preparing to work hard or its American equivalent head/face down, ass up in reference to being a position to be fucked, typically in a demeaning or exploitive fashion.

See also

• keep a low profile