downlow

keep (something) on the down low

To keep something in a state of secrecy or minimal public knowledge; to not share something with anyone else. Keep this on the down-low, but Janet is planning to break up with Kevin next week.
See also: down, keep, low, on

on the down low

1. In a state of secrecy or minimal public knowledge; being known only by a select few people. Keep this on the down low, but Janet is planning to break up with Kevin next week. My parents know about the pregnancy, but I'd like it to stay on the down low otherwise.
2. In a state of secrecy or minimal public knowledge pertaining to the activities of a man who has sex with other men but considers himself to be heterosexual. I never thought he was gay, but then I started to hear rumors that he's on the down low.
See also: down, low, on

the down low

1. slang A state of secrecy or minimal public knowledge. Keep this on the down low, but Janet is planning to break up with Kevin next week. My parents know about the pregnancy, but I'd like it to stay on the down low otherwise.
2. slang A state of secrecy or minimal public knowledge pertaining to the activities of a man who has sex with other men but considers himself to be heterosexual. I never thought he was gay, but then I started to hear rumors that he's on the down low.
See also: down, low
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the down low

and the DL
the information or explanation; the lowdown. (Streets.) Give me the haps. What the down low?
See also: down, low
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • keep (something) on the down low
  • keep it on the down-low
  • keep it that way
  • inhibit
  • inhibit (someone or something) from (doing something)
  • inhibit from doing
  • keep behind
  • keep an eye open
  • keep away
  • keep away (from someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Some thought the husband is ridiculous if he is trying to deceive his wife, with one writing: "Men are hopeless at keeping things on the downlow and women have the worlds best tuned spider sense".
Mum's suspicion about husband and live-in babysitter after he makes her the 'wrong tea'; She listed a series of potential clues that suggest something might be going on between her partner and the young girl
A proof of the hard battle downlow was scratch on the side of his right eye, which he incurred in one of the rebound plays against Ponferrada.
PBA: Beermen can't relax in game 2, says Fajardo
He's back at work with his new girlfriend, but they're keeping their romance on the downlow as her old boyfriend's still around.
CHOICE
When you want to beat somebody's [rear], do it on the downlow. No evidence.
Nurmagomedov ready to settle bus altercation with McGregor in UFC cage
A source said: "They are keeping their relationship on the downlow though and trying to be as private as they can.'' The Problem hitmaker's doughnut video landed her in hot water as she was overheard saying in the footage, "I hate Americans, I hate America'', resulting in her patriotism being called into question.
Ariana sweet on doughnut dancer pal
Keep this symptom on the downlow with a good hair product.
Practical beauty
They looked hardly like a team favored to win it all in the tournament in the first quarter, though, trailing 14-23 after missing all of their six triple attempts and with Hame Haddadi not getting his free will downlow.
Iran routs Chinese-Taipei, cruises to Fiba Asia finals
THREE IS A CROWD Colin Brady puts a challenge in on Down's Gerard Boyle yesterday KEEP IT ON DOWNLOW Kevin McKernan gathers the ball
WE ARE JUST WARMING UP; QUALIFIERS DOWN 3-13 ANTRIM 0-10
The stocky forward, though, remains available to help the squad's bigs get ready for the tough grind downlow against taller squads in the tournament.
Despite getting cut, Belga will still help Smart Gilas Pilipinas
Here's the downlow glee is back for its fourth series tonight to high-kick those January blues to the kerb.
glee is back... do start believing ?
Adeogun has been remarkable in the pre-season, even more imposing downlow than he already was.
Red Lions look to snag '4-peat' amid pressure, tougher competition