keep a low profile

Idioms

Stay out of public notice, avoid attracting attention to oneself. For example, Until his appointment becomes official, Ted is keeping a low profile. This expression alludes to profile in the sense of “a visible contour,” a usage dating from the 1600s. [Late 1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But one can’t exactly fault Travolta for wanting to keep a low profile, considering that the last two decades have been mired in personal strife for the actor.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

That includes Powell, a dove by inclination who says he plans to keep a low profile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Powell, whose term as a governor runs through early 2028, said he would keep a low profile and has no interest in acting as a shadow chair under his presumptive successor, Kevin Warsh.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

While suddenly in the spotlight, LaRavia has tried to keep a low profile.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025

The captain calls me in for a meeting in spite of the fact that I have tried to keep a low profile.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023