keep your head down

keep (one's) head down

To actively avoid conflict or attention. I'm keeping my head down at work these days because I don't want to be among the layoffs that are sure to accompany our recent change in leadership.
See also: down, head, keep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Keep your head down.

Fig. Lie low, try not to be noticed. My advice to you is to keep your head down for the moment. Keep your head down. It'll blow over.
See also: down, head, keep
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

keep your head down

COMMON If you keep your head down, you try to avoid being noticed or becoming involved in something. I just decided to keep my head down and do my job and eventually I was accepted by my male colleagues. If you had been content to keep your head down and lead a quiet life, none of this would have happened. Note: You can also say that you get your head down. I thought I'd better get my head down somewhere and ask for police protection. Compare with get your head down.
See also: down, head, keep
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

keep your head down

remain inconspicuous in difficult or dangerous times. informal
1995 Edward Toman Dancing in Limbo All his instincts told him to keep his head down. He didn't need Lily's constant nagging to remind him he was in deep trouble.
See also: down, head, keep
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

keep your ˈhead down

(informal)
1 avoid being noticed or being seen in public: She’s so unpopular with the voters that the Prime Minister has told her to keep her head down until after the election. In the army you soon learn to keep your head down and stay out of trouble.
2 work very hard: He kept his head down for weeks before the final exams.
See also: down, head, keep
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • keep (one's) head down
  • come along for the ride
  • come with
  • come with (someone or something)
  • see (one) to (something)
  • see down to
  • accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
  • accompany on a journey
  • show (one) out
  • show someone out
References in periodicals archive
Yes, the best advice when traveling through a shaky neighborhood is to keep your head down, ensuring that you are less aware of your surroundings, and act like you don't belong.
As long as you don't keep your head down, and don't walk too fast, you'll be okay.
Unsafe at any creed
The longer you keep your head down the harder it is for your shoulders to pass through, causing the arms to collapse and fold too soon, resulting in disastrous strikes.
Golf doctor: Kevin's casebook
"You can't just keep your head down and escape the government," says Jim Albertine, president of the American League of Lobbyists and a partner in Albertine Enterprises.
Inside Influence Inc.: Welcome to Washington's lobby firms--they represent the capital's fastest-growing industry, one increasingly controlled by American and foreign conglomerates. (Policy and Politics)
"You just try and do a good job and keep your head down"
BETTER WITH AGE; SOAPS
IF you've made an idiot of yourself you'd think you'd know to keep your head down.
Not the Stats: Excuse of week
``Just work hard, keep your head down and don't offend anyone unnecessarily, '' was Peter's helpful reply.
The Insider: Toptips for Boris
The most important tip that a coach can give to a hitter is: "Keep your head down and still in your swing."
Getting a head start in the batting stance
keep your head down and listen to advice from the coaches".
Football: 3pm - BRAZILIAN legend Romario
It's essential to keep your head steady and eyes focused on the ball but never keep your head down.
Golf: Golf Doctor; HOOKS,SLICES,GRIPS OR YIPS,HERE'S THE PROBLEM PAGE THAT HITS THE SWEET SPOT
``YOU get born, you keep your head down, then you die ...
Profits and dross ..
"Keep your head down and still, with your eye on the ball"
The golden rule in the batting stance
Sniper, Brigade HQ Keep your head down and your mask on.
War in the Gulf: VILLAGE OF COURAGE; 11 men in `band of brothers' who are overseas fighting Saddam
Keith, RSDG, after six days of war please keep your head down - Dad, Mum and the rest.
WAR IN THE GULF: Messages of comfort for all our brave soldiers; YOUR TEXTS
To Yoshi, he added: "Keep your head down, do your job and come home safe."
RECORD BRINGS TEARS OF JOY