low-down
Britishadjective
noun
Explanation
Something that's described as low-down is sleazy, like a cheater's low-down tricks for winning every game of poker. If you get the low-down, that means you have the inside scoop. So, if you're playing poker with a low-down cheater, get the low-down so you can outsmart him! If voters object to one candidate's low-down campaign methods, they'll probably vote for the opponent — or decide not to vote at all. And some basketball fans might complain that pretending to be fouled by another player is a low-down trick, although a common one. You can also use low-down to describe bluesy jazz or to mean "the inside scoop." When you visit an unfamiliar city, you can get the low-down on fun activities from your friend who lives there.
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.
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth, when confronted by a reporter about Signalgate, claimed Goldberg was a no-good, low-down down mean old snake who’d do anything for fame.
From Salon • Mar. 27, 2025
BBC Wales political report David Deans gives the low-down on the man taking on the role.
From BBC • Jun. 16, 2023
There’s only one vocal segment, from Captain Beefheart at the start of Willie the Pimp, a low-down blues rock track which he delivered like a surreal Howlin’ Wolf.
From The Guardian • Dec. 13, 2019
“A gay and low-down blues,” Hughes directs, as if from the orchestra pit, in “the mood” of his piece.
From The New Yorker • Jul. 24, 2019
“I may have my differences with the Gantrys, Mr. Peale, but I don’t take to low-down tactics. If you’re amenable, Horace will be here to help you with the harvest. For free.”
From "Worth" by A. LaFaye
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
