assume
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assume a low profile
To maintain a minimal degree of public notice or exposure; to avoid drawing attention, scrutiny, or observation to oneself. In contrast to her predecessor, the new governor has assumed a low profile, making greater inroads behind closed doors while largely staying out of the public spotlight. It can be hard for celebrities to assume a low profile when they go out in public.
assume airs
To think or behave as though one is superior to others or better than one really is; to have or assume a pretentious or self-aggrandizing attitude. I think John is really a decent fellow at heart, but I really wish he wouldn't assume such airs about his writing abilities. Stop assuming airs, Mary, you're not some world-class actor—you're just an amateur like the rest of us!
assume liability for
To take responsibility for something, typically a cost or expense. When you signed the contract, you assumed liability for fees like this.
assume the mantle
To take, inherit, or receive the responsibilities and duties associated with a certain position or job, especially one regarded as important or powerful. The king led the country for over 60 years; now, his daughter will assume the mantle of the throne.
See also: assume
assume the position
1. To take over the role and responsibilities of a particular job. My boss wants me to assume the position of treasurer this year, but I don't know if I want the extra workload.
2. A command issued by US law enforcement officers, meaning to stand with one's back to the officer and hold one's arms in a position to be either handcuffed or frisked. Primarily heard in US. I knew I was in trouble when they asked me out of the car, but I knew I was going to jail when they told me to assume the position.
low profile
1. noun A state of being inconspicuous or avoiding attention. Used especially in the phrase "keep a low profile." A: "I haven't seen you in a while—how are you?" B: "Oh, I'm fine, just keeping a low profile so I can finish my research by the deadline." It's hard for celebrities to keep a low profile when they go out in public. We'll have to keep a low profile while the police presence in the city remains heightened.
2. adjective Inconspicuous; modest and restrained in scope or style. Hyphenated if used as a modifier before a noun. My fiancée is something of a celebrity, so we're trying to have a low-profile wedding and avoid having the media bothering us on the day. You'll want to keep cash purchases like that fairly low profile if you don't want the feds investigating your finances.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
assume liability for something
to accept the responsibility for paying a cost. Mr. Smith assumed liability for his son's student loans. The store assumed liability for the injured customer's hospital bills.
*low profile
Fig. a persona or character that does not draw attention. (*Typically: assume ~; have ~; keep ~; give oneself ~.) I try to be quiet and keep a low profile. It's hard because I just love attention.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.