low profile
حضور منخفض
Literalmente: A profile that is low in height or position
Use it when you want to stay out of the spotlight and avoid being noticed by others.
En 15 segundos
- Avoiding public attention or social media spotlight.
- Staying quiet and out of the way on purpose.
- Choosing to be invisible to avoid drama or stress.
Significado
Keeping a low profile means staying out of the spotlight and avoiding public attention. It is about being quiet and not letting people notice what you are doing.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about a weekend plan
I'm just going to keep a low profile this weekend and stay home.
I'm just going to keep a low profile this weekend and stay home.
Starting a new job
For my first week at the office, I'll keep a low profile.
For my first week at the office, I'll keep a low profile.
After a social embarrassment
After that karaoke disaster, I need to keep a low profile for a while.
After that karaoke disaster, I need to keep a low profile for a while.
Contexto cultural
The term gained massive popularity in the 1970s, particularly within political and military circles to describe avoiding media scrutiny. In modern celebrity culture, 'keeping a low profile' is often a strategic move to reset a public image after a scandal or during a private life event.
The Social Media Rule
In the digital age, keeping a low profile usually means 'don't post on Instagram' for a few days.
Don't 'Lay' Low
While 'lying low' is similar, it sounds slightly more like you're hiding from the law or a threat. 'Low profile' is more about social choice.
En 15 segundos
- Avoiding public attention or social media spotlight.
- Staying quiet and out of the way on purpose.
- Choosing to be invisible to avoid drama or stress.
What It Means
To keep a low profile is to be invisible on purpose. You aren't hiding from the police (usually). You just don't want people talking about you. It is the opposite of being the life of the party. You stay in the shadows and keep things quiet.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the verb keep. You can say, "I'm keeping a low profile." It functions like an adjective for your current lifestyle. Sometimes people say maintain a low profile in more serious settings. It is very flexible for work or personal life.
When To Use It
Use it when you are tired of drama. Use it after you've had too much attention lately. It is perfect for when you start a new job. You want to watch and learn first. It's also great for celebrities trying to grab a coffee in peace. If you're avoiding an ex-friend, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are actually hiding a crime. That is lying low. Don't use it when you are trying to get a promotion. You need a high profile for that! It's not for moments where you should be loud and proud. If you're winning an award, don't keep a low profile on stage.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the idea of a physical silhouette. If your profile is low, you are harder to see against the horizon. In Western culture, we value privacy but also fame. Keeping a low profile is seen as a smart, tactical move. It suggests you are being humble or strategic.
Common Variations
You might hear keep it on the down-low for secrets. Lying low is similar but feels more like hiding from trouble. Under the radar is another great cousin of this phrase. They all mean you're avoiding the 'blip' on the social screen. Just don't confuse it with being shy; it's a choice!
Notas de uso
This phrase is incredibly versatile. It works in a boardroom, a bar, or a text message. Just remember that it is almost always paired with the verb 'keep'.
The Social Media Rule
In the digital age, keeping a low profile usually means 'don't post on Instagram' for a few days.
Don't 'Lay' Low
While 'lying low' is similar, it sounds slightly more like you're hiding from the law or a threat. 'Low profile' is more about social choice.
The Humble Brag
Sometimes people say they are keeping a low profile just to sound mysterious or important, like a secret agent!
Ejemplos
6I'm just going to keep a low profile this weekend and stay home.
I'm just going to keep a low profile this weekend and stay home.
Used here to mean a quiet, private weekend.
For my first week at the office, I'll keep a low profile.
For my first week at the office, I'll keep a low profile.
Professional strategy to observe before acting.
After that karaoke disaster, I need to keep a low profile for a while.
After that karaoke disaster, I need to keep a low profile for a while.
Humorous way to say you're embarrassed to be seen.
I'll be at the party, but I'm keeping a low profile tonight.
I'll be at the party, but I'm keeping a low profile tonight.
Meaning they won't be the center of attention.
The actor has been keeping a low profile since the breakup.
The actor has been keeping a low profile since the breakup.
Describing someone avoiding the paparazzi.
I've been so stressed; I really need to keep a low profile and recover.
I've been so stressed; I really need to keep a low profile and recover.
Focusing on mental health and privacy.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the phrase.
He decided to keep a ___ profile after the news broke.
The standard collocation is always 'low profile'.
Which verb is most commonly used with this phrase?
I think I'll ___ a low profile until the boss calms down.
We 'keep' a low profile to describe our ongoing behavior.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Low Profile'
Used with friends about weekend plans.
Keeping it low-key.
Standard use in most conversations.
I'm keeping a low profile.
Used in business or journalism.
The company maintained a low profile.
When to Keep a Low Profile
After a mistake
Avoiding the boss's gaze.
New Environment
Watching how others behave.
Recovering
Staying home to rest.
Privacy
Avoiding social media posts.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is a common English idiom and collocation. It means avoiding attention rather than referring to a physical shape.
It's more natural to say keep a low profile. You can say stay low, but that sounds like you're in a movie ducking from bullets!
Absolutely. It's very common in offices. For example: I'm keeping a low profile until the project is finished.
The opposite is having a high profile or being high-profile. This means being very famous or well-known.
Yes, a company can maintain a low profile if they don't want to attract competitors or the media.
It can be. It's like telling them to 'shut up and hide.' Use it for yourself, or as gentle advice to a close friend.
Not necessarily. A very famous, outgoing person might keep a low profile just to have a quiet dinner.
Use a hyphen if it's an adjective before a noun, like a low-profile wedding. If it's the object of the verb, like keep a low profile, no hyphen is needed.
It's temporary. It usually describes a phase or a short period of time, not a permanent personality trait.
Yes! You can text Keeping a low profile tonight to explain why you aren't coming out.
Frases relacionadas
Under the radar
To do something without being noticed by those in authority.
Fly solo
To do something alone without help or attention.
Keep it low-key
To keep an event or activity quiet and relaxed.
Lie low
To hide or stay quiet, usually to avoid trouble or punishment.
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