maintain a low profile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain a low profile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to avoid attracting attention or to stay inconspicuous in a particular situation. Example: "During the investigation, it was crucial for him to maintain a low profile to avoid drawing suspicion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm trying to maintain a low profile".

The New York Times - Magazine

When we did, we tried to maintain a low profile.

The New Yorker

But I want to maintain a low profile.

The Guardian - Sport

The manager added: "I want to maintain a low profile.

The Guardian - Sport

They maintain a low profile even as they operate as the flamboyantly named sprint Capital USA.

The New York Times - Sports

He tried to maintain a low profile by speaking solely about education.

The Guardian

Officials from the U.N.H.C.R. and the Delhi police advised him to maintain a low profile.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, he said that his intention during the case was to maintain a low profile.

The New York Times

She says many of her fellow women's rights campaigners have either fled abroad or now maintain a low profile.

The Guardian

For years, it has chosen, for private reasons, to maintain a low profile -- to its disadvantage, I think.

The New York Times

Dos Santos speaks several languages but never talks to the media, preferring, like her father, to maintain a low profile.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discretion is paramount, use "maintain a low profile" to advise someone to avoid unnecessary attention, especially in sensitive situations.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain a low profile" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "stay out of sight" or "keep it quiet" to sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain a low profile" functions as a verb phrase, typically used transitively. It advises a subject to actively avoid attracting attention or remaining inconspicuous. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain a low profile" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to advise someone to avoid attracting attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and formal settings. Alternatives like "keep a low profile" and "stay under the radar" offer similar meanings. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in informal settings, where simpler language might be more appropriate. The phrase effectively conveys the need for discretion and minimizing visibility in sensitive situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep a low profile

Synonymous; emphasizes the act of staying unnoticed.

stay under the radar

Focuses on avoiding detection or attention.

lie low

Suggests a temporary withdrawal from visibility.

not draw attention

Directly focuses on avoiding attracting notice.

keep out of sight

Emphasizes physical concealment or avoidance of being seen.

avoid the spotlight

Specifically relates to avoiding public attention or fame.

keep a low visibility

Emphasizes minimizing one's presence or prominence.

remain inconspicuous

Highlights the state of not being easily noticed.

fade into the background

Suggests becoming less noticeable within a setting.

make oneself scarce

Implies deliberately reducing one's presence.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain a low profile" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain a low profile" to advise someone to avoid attracting attention. For example: "During the investigation, it's important to "maintain a low profile" to avoid suspicion."

What can I say instead of "maintain a low profile"?

You can use alternatives such as "keep a low profile", "stay under the radar", or "lie low" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "maintain a low profile"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest someone avoid drawing attention to themselves, often in situations where discretion or secrecy is important.

What is the difference between "maintain a low profile" and "avoid the spotlight"?

"Maintain a low profile" generally refers to any situation where you want to be discreet, whereas "avoid the spotlight" specifically refers to avoiding public attention or fame.