have been lying low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been lying low" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has been avoiding attention or staying out of the public eye for a period of time. Example: "After the scandal, the celebrity have been lying low, avoiding any public appearances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Not all gun-ownership advocates have been lying low.

The Washington Post

Reform-minded LDP heavyweights such as Koichi Kato have been lying low.

The Economist

How long the lawyers can keep up their revolt now without the support of opposition political parties, which so far have been lying low, remains in question.

The New York Times

A rebellious young clerical firebrand, Muqtada al-Sadr, and his thuggish militia, known as the Mahdi Army, have been lying low since Mr Sistani talked them out of their rebellion against American occupation late last summer.

The Economist

The agents themselves have been lying low since their return — all except for Anna Chapman, who allegedly passed encrypted messages to Russian officials from a Barnes & Noble in Manhattan's TriBeCa neighborhood.

The New York Times

Some loyalists who joined the network of informants known as the revolutionary committees have remained in rebel-held cities, and have been lying low, trying to regain the trust of their neighbours.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Depardieu had been lying low since his Russian escapades.

The New Yorker

Gaddafi has been lying low over the past fortnight, convinced that Nato is personally targeting him.

The Guardian

The turban has never really vanished, but it has been lying low.

The New York Times

Several production credits aside, Eli Roth has been lying low since the skilfully nasty Hostel initiated the torture-porn cycle a decade ago.

The Guardian - Film

Although he has not faced any legal charges in connection with that killing, he has been lying low ever since.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "have been lying low" when you want to indicate that someone or something has been deliberately avoiding attention or public visibility, often after a controversial event or during a period of inactivity.

Common error

Be mindful of the correct verb form. The present participle of "lie" (to recline or be in a horizontal position, or to avoid detection) is "lying". Avoid the common mistake of using "laying", which is the present participle of "lay" (to place something down).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been lying low" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a present perfect continuous construction. It describes an action (lying low) that started in the past and continues into the present. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been lying low" is a verbal phrase indicating a state of avoiding attention or remaining out of public view. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this phrase implies a deliberate act of seclusion, often following a significant event. Related phrases include "kept a low profile" and "stayed out of sight". When using "have been lying low", ensure you are using the correct verb form ("lying" not "laying"). This phrase serves to inform or explain a period of inactivity or reduced visibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept a low profile

Focuses more on actively avoiding attention or publicity, rather than necessarily being inactive.

kept a quiet profile

Similar to 'kept a low profile', but with an emphasis on maintaining silence and discretion.

stayed out of sight

Emphasizes the physical aspect of not being seen or noticed.

remained under the radar

Highlights the intention to avoid detection or scrutiny.

stayed in the shadows

Focuses on remaining unseen and unnoticed, often with a negative connotation.

gone to ground

Suggests a deliberate act of hiding, often due to fear or suspicion.

remained inconspicuous

Highlights the lack of visibility or noticeability.

kept themselves to themselves

Emphasizes isolation and lack of interaction with others.

withdrawn from public life

Implies a more formal and conscious decision to step away from public activities.

reclusive

Implies a habitual preference for solitude and avoidance of social contact.

FAQs

How can I use "have been lying low" in a sentence?

You can use "have been lying low" to describe someone or something that has been avoiding attention. For example, "After the scandal, the politician "has been lying low"."

What's a similar phrase to "have been lying low"?

Alternatives to "have been lying low" include "kept a low profile", "stayed out of sight", or "remained under the radar".

Is it correct to say "has been lying low" or "has been laying low"?

The correct phrase is "has been lying low". "Lying" is the present participle of "lie", meaning to recline or avoid detection. "Laying" is the present participle of "lay", meaning to place something down.

When is it appropriate to use "have been lying low"?

Use "have been lying low" when you want to convey that someone or something is intentionally avoiding attention, often due to negative circumstances or a desire for privacy. For example, "Since losing the election, he "has been lying low" at his country home".