Phrase guide

keep one's head down

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

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

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To avoid trouble or attention.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

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

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.