Someone leans in, lowers their voice, and says, “Keep it on the down-low.” Instantly, you know something private is being shared. But what does this phrase really mean, and where did it come from? In this post, we’ll explore the meaning, origin, and real-life examples of “keep it on the down-low,” plus a few similar idioms that express the same idea.
Meaning of “Keep It on the Down-Low”
The idiom “keep it on the down-low” means to keep something secret, private, or confidential. It’s used when you don’t want information spreading around or when you prefer to stay discreet about something.
Here are the main meanings:
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To keep information confidential — When something should remain between a select few.
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Example: “I’m applying for a new job, but keep it on the down-low for now.”
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To act discreetly or stay unnoticed — When you want to keep attention away from a situation or action.
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Example: “They’re seeing each other again, but they’re keeping it on the down-low.”
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👉 In short: “Keep it on the down-low” means don’t tell anyone — let’s keep this private.
Origin of “Keep It on the Down-Low”
The phrase “on the down-low” comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and began appearing in the early 1990s. Originally, it described men who kept certain aspects of their romantic lives secret — particularly same-sex relationships hidden from the public.
As time passed, the expression spread beyond that specific context and became part of mainstream slang, especially through hip-hop music and urban culture. By the 2000s, “keep it on the down-low” had evolved to mean simply keeping things private or discreet.
Today, it’s widely used in everyday English to refer to anything you don’t want public — from a surprise party to a quiet business deal.
Examples in Sentences
Here are several examples showing how to use “keep it on the down-low” in different situations:
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“We’re throwing a surprise party for him, so keep it on the down-low.”
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“The company’s working on a new app, but it’s still on the down-low.”
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“They’ve been dating again, but they’re keeping it on the down-low this time.”
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“Let’s keep this deal on the down-low until everything’s finalized.”
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“I’m taking a break from social media — just keeping things on the down-low for now.”
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“I might have eaten the last cookie… but keep that on the down-low!”
Similar Idioms or Phrases
Here are a few idioms that express a similar idea to “keep it on the down-low”:
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Keep it under wraps — Keep something secret or hidden until it’s time to reveal it.
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Example: “The new design is under wraps until the big reveal.”
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Mum’s the word — An older phrase meaning “don’t tell anyone.”
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Example: “Mum’s the word about the promotion until Monday.”
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Hush-hush — Used when something is confidential or private.
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Example: “Everything about the project is hush-hush right now.”
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Don’t spill the beans — A fun, informal way of saying “don’t reveal the secret.”
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Example: “Don’t spill the beans about the surprise trip!”
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PERSONAL INSIGHT
I’ve always liked using “keep it on the down-low” because it strikes the perfect balance between playful and serious. It’s a friendly way to ask for discretion without sounding stiff. Whenever someone shares something personal with me, saying “Don’t worry, I’ll keep it on the down-low” feels warm, natural, and trustworthy.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it — “keep it on the down-low” means keeping things private, quiet, or confidential. It started in African American English, spread through pop culture, and now it’s a common expression used worldwide.
Do you use “keep it on the down-low” in your own conversations? Share your favorite examples or similar idioms in the comments below!