low-down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘low-down’ mean?
The idiom "low-down" means to provide information or gossip that is detailed, often secret, and sometimes even scandalous.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "talk down" means to communicate with someone in a condescending or patronizing manner, using a tone or language that makes the other person feel inferior or belittled.
When someone does something "on the hush," they are doing it secretly or without others knowing. It refers to keeping something quiet or confidential, often to avoid getting in trouble or causing a disturbance.
The idiom "on the down-low" means to keep something secretive or hidden, usually referring to activities, information, or relationships that people want to keep confidential or not openly disclose. It suggests a sense of secrecy or discretion.
The idiom "one's lips are sealed" means to keep one's mouth shut and not reveal a secret or confidential information.
The idiom "nail down" means to firmly establish or secure something, or to accurately determine or finalize a particular detail or plan.
The idiom "mum's the word" means to keep quiet or not reveal information, often because it is a secret or should not be shared. It implies the need for confidentiality or silence in a situation.
The idiom "muddy up" means to make something unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand. It is often used when someone adds unnecessary or confusing information to a situation, making it harder to comprehend.
The idiom "moral low ground" refers to a situation or action that is considered immoral, unethical, or morally unjustifiable.
This idiom means to exaggerate or make something seem more serious or important than it really is.
Intriguing Revelations
The idiom 'low-down' refers to providing information or details in a secretive or inside manner. It originated in African-American communities in the early 20th century and is still widely used today.
The primary meaning of 'low-down' is to describe secret or hidden information. It is often used to refer to inside or confidential details about a specific situation, person, or event. This conveys the idea that the information is being revealed clandestinely or covertly.
Additionally, 'low-down' can also imply a negative quality or characteristic. When used to describe a person, it suggests that they are dishonest, untrustworthy, or possess questionable morals. It can be seen as a derogatory term.
Furthermore, in certain African-American communities, 'low-down' is used as a verb, meaning to gossip or spread rumors. This emphasizes the idea of sharing information in a secretive or underhanded manner.
The idiom 'low-down' has evolved to include variations such as 'get the low-down' or 'give someone the low-down.' These variations mean to obtain or provide information, often in a detailed or comprehensive manner.
'on the down-low' is a related idiom that refers to engaging in something secretly or discreetly, typically due to its illicit or socially frowned upon nature. This idiom can be used to describe actions, relationships, or behaviors that individuals wish to keep hidden or undisclosed.
When someone 'does someone down', they are intentionally trying to lower or diminish that person's status, reputation, or self-esteem. This can involve spreading negative rumors or engaging in slanderous behavior. It relates to the negative quality associated with 'low-down' when used to describe a person.
'dish the dirt' is a phrase that means to reveal or provide gossip or scandalous information about someone or something. It is similar to 'low-down' in the sense that it involves revealing undisclosed or secret details, often in a sensational or scandalous manner.
When someone 'talks down' to another person, they are adopting a condescending or patronizing tone in their communication. This can involve using simple language, being dismissive, or treating the other person as inferior. 'Low-down' can imply negative qualities, including being condescending or dismissive, when used to describe a person.
Lastly, 'loose lip' refers to a person who is prone to speaking carelessly or disclosing secrets. It emphasizes the idea of being indiscreet or having a lack of discretion. This relates to the secretive nature of 'low-down' and the need for confidentiality or secrecy when sharing information.
The idiom 'low-down' has its origins in African-American communities in the United States and has evolved to convey the idea of secretive information or details. It can describe both the act of revealing confidential information and the negative qualities associated with dishonesty or questionable morals. While the specific etymology of the idiom remains uncertain, its usage and meaning have persisted throughout the years, adding depth and complexity to its overall significance.
Example usage
Examples:
- Can you give me the low-down on the new project?
- I'll give you the low-down on the restaurant we're planning to visit.
- She always has the low-down on the latest fashion trends.
Analysis:
The idiom "low-down" is often used in informal speech to refer to detailed and specific information about a particular topic or situation. It is commonly used to request or provide information about something in a straightforward or no-nonsense manner.
In the first sentence, the phrase is used to ask for detailed information about the new project.
In the second sentence, it is used to indicate the speaker's intention to provide detailed information about a restaurant they are planning to visit.
The third sentence demonstrates its use to describe someone who is known for having up-to-date and detailed knowledge about fashion trends.
More "Information" idioms
