lay (one) low

lay (one) low

To render one unable to move or leave their bed. The car accident laid her low for a couple of months. My husband won't be able to come in to work today—he's been laid low by the flu.

See also: lay, low

lay low

1. To be, make oneself, or remain hidden or inconspicuous; to avoid being found, detected, or scrutinized by others. (A common erroneous variation of the grammatically correct "lie low.") I'm sorry I haven't been around to see you lately, but with the police investigating the company I thought it would be better to lay low for a while. Jim and Colby are laying low with the goods. Once the heat from the cops eases up, they'll send the stuff over to us.

2. By extension, to keep to oneself; to avoid interactions with others. I think I'm just going to lay low at home this weekend—I don't really feel like going out at all.

See also: lay, low

lay someone low

Overcome someone, as in He laid him low with one good punch, or The flu laid us low for two weeks. [1300s] Also see lie low.

See also: lay, low, someone

lay someone low

1 (of an illness) reduce someone to inactivity. 2 bring to an end the high position or good fortune formerly enjoyed by someone.

See also: lay, low, someone

lay somebody ˈlow

(informal) (of an illness) cause somebody to go to bed or be unable to work normally: That flu laid her low for a couple of weeks.

See also: lay, low, somebody

lay low

1. To keep oneself or one's plans hidden.

2. To bide one's time but remain ready for action.

3. To cause to be dead or unable to get up from a lying position: How many soldiers were laid low in that battle? The flu has laid low thousands.

See also: lay, low