Keep this on the down-low 🤫⬇️
Meaning
To keep something secret or private.
Origin
This phrase likely emerged from the jazz and blues scenes of the early 20th century. Musicians often had to operate discreetly, especially when dealing with sensitive matters or perhaps even illicit activities. The 'low' refers to a subtle gesture or a quiet, unpronounced signal, contrasting with something overt or 'high.' Keeping something 'on the down-low' meant handling it without drawing attention, maintaining a low profile. It was a way to signal discretion and avoid broadcasting information, a code understandable in the underground networks of the era.
Keep this on the down-low represented with emoji🤫⬇️
This playful arrangement of 🤫⬇️ functions as a whispered secret, a playful nod to the delightful conspiracy of keeping something on the down-low. It elegantly captures the fleeting nature of private moments, inviting a dialogue on the joyous intimacy of shared confidences shared, at once ephemeral and monumental in their significance.
Examples
- We're planning a surprise party for Sarah, so keep this on the down-low until Saturday.
- The boss told me about the new project, but I have to keep it on the down-low for now.
- I found a secret stash of cookies behind the bookshelf, but you have to keep this on the down-low, or the cookie monsters might find out.
- My pet dragon just learned to bake miniature cupcakes, and it's a closely guarded secret for now, so please keep this on the down-low from the neighborhood cats.
Frequently asked questions
While often used informally, 'keep this on the down-low' functions more as an idiom. Idioms are phrases whose meanings aren't deducible from the literal meanings of their words, which is true for this phrase expressing secrecy.
The opposite of 'keep this on the down-low' would be to make something public or widely known, as in 'broadcast,' 'shout it from the rooftops,' or 'let the cat out of the bag.'
Generally, no, 'keep this on the down-low' is considered informal and is best avoided in formal or professional communication. Its origins in jazz and blues scenes lend it a casual, secretive tone.
Not necessarily, although it can be used for illicit activities. The phrase primarily signifies discretion and privacy, which could be for any kind of sensitive information, not just illegal matters.