get the lowdown (on someone or something)
To receive or find out specific or comprehensive details about someone, something, or some situation. See if you can get the lowdown on what the boss is planning to do about the company's falling profits. My sister wants to get the lowdown on Geoffrey before she goes on a date with him. There's been a shakeup in the company's upper management, but we won't know how we're affected until we get the lowdown from the boss.
give (someone) the lowdown (on something)
To provide someone with specific or comprehensive details about someone, something, or some situation. Give me the lowdown on what the boss is planning to do about the company's falling profits. I'm waiting for my brother to give me the lowdown on Geoffrey before I go on a date with him. There's been a shakeup in the company's upper management, but we won't know how we're affected until the boss gives us the lowdown.
low-down
1. adjective (used prenominally) Dishonest or unfair; vile or despicable; contemptible. The guy I've been seeing turned out to be a low-down, cheating rat! You're nothing but a low-down coward, you know that? My low-down boss fired me, even though it was his mistake that lost us the client!
2. noun The truth, facts, or most pertinent information about something. OK, here's the low-down: I've got a great business opportunity lined up, but I need to borrow a few thousand dollars to get it off the ground. This is Jane—she'll give you the low-down on day-to-day tasks around the office.
on the down low
In a state of secrecy or minimal public knowledge; being known only by a select few people. Keep this on the down low, but Janet is planning to break up with Kevin next week. My parents know about the pregnancy, but I'd like it to stay on the down low otherwise.