Lie low

Definitions

• avoid attention or trouble
  To stay out of sight or avoid drawing attention to oneself, especially in order to avoid trouble or danger

• wait for a better time
  To bide one's time, especially when facing a difficult or challenging situation, in order to wait for a more favorable opportunity or moment to act

Examples of Lie low

• John decided to lie low after the police investigated his business partner's disappearance.

  When someone decides to lie low, it means they choose to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to themselves. In this example, John may have been suspected of involvement in his partner's disappearance, so he is avoiding being noticed by lying low.

• After making some embarrassing comments at a party, Rachel realized she needed to lie low for a while to avoid further social situations.

  In this example, Rachel's mistake has put her in an uncomfortable situation, so she chooses to lie low and avoid further social events until she feels more confident.

• During a period of public unrest, the government advised citizens to lie low and stay indoors as a safety precaution.

  When a dangerous or unpredictable situation arises, lying low can be a wise decision to minimize the risk of harm. In this example, the government is urging citizens to remain indoors and avoid attracting attention to themselves during a period of unrest.

• After a long and stressful period, Sarah decided it was time to lie low and take a break from work and social events.

  Sometimes, people need to step back from their usual routines and take a break to recharge their batteries. In this example, Sarah has been working and socializing intensely, so she is choosing to lie low and take a break to reduce her stress levels.

• In order to avoid getting caught by the police, the criminal decided to lie low for a few days.

  To "lie low" means to keep a low profile, to avoid drawing attention to oneself. In this example, the criminal is trying to escape from the authorities, and in order to avoid getting caught, he decides to stay hidden in a secluded place and avoid any activities that might draw suspicion.

• After their team lost the championship, the athletes decided to lie low and focus on training rather than celebrating their defeat.

  In this example, "lying low" does not necessarily mean hiding, but rather taking a break from the spotlight and focusing on improving oneself. The athletes are disappointed by their loss, but instead of dwelling on it or indulging in excessive celebration, they choose to use the opportunity to work harder and train more intensely.

• Following a scandal that resulted in him losing his job, the politician decided to lie low and spend some time with his family before deciding what to do next.

  Here, "lying low" refers to taking a break from one's usual activities and responsibilities, in order to clear your head and make decisions without the added pressure or expectations of others. In this case, the politician's scandal has forced him to step down from his position, and instead of jumping into another job or political campaign right away, he chooses to spend some time with his family and think about his next move.

• After a long day of work and meetings, the business executive decided to lie low and skip dinner plans with his clients to enjoy a quiet evening at home.

  In this example, "lying low" is simply a way of saying that someone is avoiding busy or social activities, in order to relax and unwind. The executive may have been looking forward to dinner with his clients, but after a long day, he decides to prioritize his own needs and spend some time alone.

Conclusion

The idiom "lie low" can be used to either avoid attention or trouble, or to wait for a better time to act. When someone advises you to "lie low," they are suggesting that you stay out of sight or avoid drawing attention to yourself in order to prevent getting into trouble or danger. This can be in response to a potentially risky situation or to avoid unwanted attention. On the other hand, if someone advises you to "lie low" in a challenging situation, they are suggesting that you bide your time and wait for a more advantageous moment to take action.

Overall, "lie low" is used to caution against attracting attention or engaging in risky behaviors, as well as to advise patience and waiting for a more favorable opportunity to arise.

Origin of "Lie low"

The origin of the idiom "lie low" can be traced back to the 19th century, with its roots in the idea of physically lying down or crouching to avoid being seen or detected. This literal action evolved into a figurative meaning, where "lying low" came to represent the act of staying out of sight or avoiding attention in order to avoid trouble or danger. The idiom has since become a common phrase used to advise caution and patience in various situations, with its origins rooted in the concept of self-preservation and strategic waiting. Examples of the idiom can be found in literature and everyday language, illustrating its enduring relevance in English-speaking cultures.