lower your head

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lower your head" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone should lower their head, either in a physical sense (e.g., when bowing before a king), or in a metaphorical sense (e.g., when humbling oneself before someone). For example, "The crowd erupted in cheers as the King entered the room. Everyone lowered their heads in reverence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

And lower your head".

The New Yorker

"Lower your head".

The New York Times

Stand your ground but lower your head and try not to make eye contact.

The Guardian

"I think it's insane to tell a runner you can't lower your head," Peterson said Thursday in a telephone interview.

The New York Times - Sports

You no longer have to lower your head and wait for the man to tell you what to do; now we make our own decisions and share activities and responsibilities with our partners.

The Guardian

For example, the Toro Rosso team in its race preview came up with a long list of details that it likes about the race, including this particularly humorous observation: "For those of you who are coming to the track by tram, note this sign on a bus: 'When you leave this vehicle, please lower your head and watch your step.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"But lowering your head into somebody is not part of the game.

The New York Times

But Ashcroft discovered that "if you lowered your head and ran over somebody on the football field... it earned you a kind of respect.

The New Yorker

Instead of lowering your head and copping to it like a man, you pick up the journal as one might hold a baby's beshatted diaper, as one might pinch a recently be-nutted condom.

The New Yorker

After holding on for 2 seconds, lower down your head to ground, while lowering the legs just above ground.

WikiHow

If he looks any lower than your head more than 25% of the time, the best thing you should do is either confront him or ditch him depending on how well you know him.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or directions, be specific about the degree to which the head should be lowered. For example, "Slightly lower your head to show respect" provides more clarity than simply saying "Lower your head."

Common error

Avoid using "lower your head" when the context requires a more specific action, such as tilting or turning the head. "Lower your head" generally implies a downward movement of the entire head and neck, so it's not appropriate for describing other head movements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower your head" primarily functions as an imperative, instructing someone to perform the action of lowering their head. As Ludwig AI reports, this can be both literal and figurative.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lower your head" is a grammatically sound and versatile instruction, commonly employed both literally and figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it can denote a physical action, a sign of respect, or an expression of humility. While primarily found in Wiki and News & Media sources, its register adapts to the situation, ranging from formal to informal. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning, whether it's a literal direction or a symbolic gesture. Remember that synonyms like "bow your head" and "duck your head" can provide alternative nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bow your head

Indicates a more formal or respectful lowering of the head, often in prayer or reverence.

Duck your head

Suggests a quick and sudden lowering of the head, typically to avoid something.

Dip your head

Implies a slight and quick lowering of the head, often as a gesture of acknowledgement or greeting.

Bend your head

Emphasizes the act of bending the neck to lower the head, potentially for focusing downwards.

Incline your head

Suggests a gentle and respectful lowering of the head, often to listen attentively.

Drop your head

Conveys a sense of dejection or exhaustion, suggesting a heavy or slumped posture.

Hang your head

Implies shame or guilt, often associated with feeling embarrassed or defeated.

Bob your head

Indicates a rhythmic up-and-down movement of the head, often in agreement or to music.

Slump your head

Suggests a relaxed or tired posture, with the head lowered and shoulders drooping.

Crouch down

Implies lowering the entire body closer to the ground.

FAQs

What does "lower your head" mean in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "lower your head" can mean to show humility, respect, or submission. It suggests acknowledging someone's authority or admitting fault.

Are there situations where "lower your head" might be inappropriate?

Yes, in situations where confidence or assertiveness is required, "bowing your head" might convey weakness. It's important to consider the context and the message you want to send.

How do I use "lower your head" in a sentence?

You can use "lower your head" to give instructions or to describe someone's action, for example, "The priest asked everyone to lower their heads in prayer" or "She lowered her head in shame after being caught lying".

What's the difference between "lower your head" and "bow your head"?

While both involve bending the head downwards, "bow your head" often suggests a deeper level of respect or reverence, whereas "lower your head" can simply refer to a physical action or a show of humility. "Bowing" is often part of a ritual.