keep one's head down
The phrase "keep one's head down" originated from the literal act of lowering one's head to avoid being seen or targeted, particularly in risky situations.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)To avoid drawing attention to oneself to prevent trouble or danger.
Example
- During the heated argument, she decided to keep her head down and not get involved.
- In a new workplace, it's often best to keep your head down until you understand the office dynamics.
B2Workplace
(informal)To focus on a task quietly and diligently without seeking recognition.
Example
- He kept his head down and finished the project ahead of schedule.
- To meet the deadline, everyone in the team had to keep their heads down and work extra hours.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "keep one's head down":
lay lowkeep one's counselkeep downkeep quietkeep to oneselfwatch one's backduck downhunker downknuckle downpipe downuse one's headhold one's firequieten downstay in one's lanewatch one's steplose one's headstand downhide behindon the down-lowgo to groundbatten downquiet downhold one's nosewatch one's mouthear to the groundlow profile