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