keep out of sight

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep out of sight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to stay hidden or remain unseen in order to avoid being noticed or caught. Example: The spy carefully made his way through the enemy territory, making sure to keep out of sight at all times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He has had to keep out of sight and watch the government lurch left.

The Economist

Slaves working inside owners' homes were expected to keep out of sight, even when opening front doors to arriving guests.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Scouten, after explaining that the Nixons had preferred that the servants keep out of sight, let the staff know that the Fords felt differently.

The New York Times

An imam who ranted at the prospect of Western occupation a month ago now welcomes foreign special forces as long as they keep out of sight.

The Economist

The Taliban have not just lost many key commanders; the surviving senior leaders are forced to keep out of sight and now rarely travel within Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Yet this long-persecuted species prefers to keep out of sight, and, in a moment, it slips away, disappearing into the undergrowth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's organized and neat and presentable and respectable and relatively mouse-free (or at least, everything is kept "out-of-sight" and therefore "out-of-mind").

Huffington Post

The People's Liberation Army keeps out of sight, inside the Prince of Wales Barracks.

The New York Times - Magazine

They largely kept out of sight.

The Guardian

In this way, she kept out of sight.

The New Yorker

But Texas still insists handguns be kept out of sight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep out of sight", ensure the context clarifies why it's necessary, such as avoiding danger or maintaining secrecy. For example, "During the escape, it's crucial to keep out of sight to avoid alerting the guards."

Common error

Avoid using "keep out of sight" when a brief moment of hiding is sufficient. Instead, use alternatives like "duck down" or "take cover" if only temporary concealment is needed. "Keep out of sight" typically suggests a more prolonged or strategic period of remaining hidden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep out of sight" primarily functions as an imperative, instructing someone to remain hidden or avoid being seen. This is supported by Ludwig, which demonstrates the phrase's use in contexts requiring secrecy or avoidance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep out of sight" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media contexts, that serves as an instruction to remain hidden or unnoticed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility. While alternatives like "stay hidden" or "remain unseen" exist, "keep out of sight" distinctly emphasizes the active effort to avoid detection. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the reason for concealment and that it implies a more prolonged period of hiding, rather than just a brief moment. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively and accurately employ "keep out of sight" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay hidden

Emphasizes the act of remaining concealed.

remain unseen

Focuses on not being visible.

avoid detection

Highlights the goal of preventing discovery.

lie low

Suggests a temporary period of inactivity to avoid attention.

go unnoticed

Stresses the result of not being observed.

stay under the radar

Implies avoiding scrutiny or surveillance.

keep a low profile

Highlights minimizing public attention.

evade notice

Focuses on skillfully escaping attention.

be inconspicuous

Emphasizes blending in to avoid standing out.

disappear from view

Describes a more abrupt removal from sight.

FAQs

How can I use "keep out of sight" in a sentence?

You can use "keep out of sight" to instruct someone to remain hidden, such as "The fugitive was instructed to keep out of sight until the coast was clear".

What are some alternatives to "keep out of sight"?

You can use alternatives like "stay hidden", "remain unseen", or "lie low" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "keep out of sight" or "stay hidden"?

"Keep out of sight" and "stay hidden" are largely interchangeable, but "keep out of sight" may imply a more active effort to avoid being seen, while "stay hidden" is a more general instruction.

What does it mean to "keep out of sight"?

To "keep out of sight" means to remain hidden or unnoticed, typically to avoid danger, detection, or unwanted attention.