to keep shady

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.Abounding in shade or shades; overspread with shade; causing shade. [1913 Webster]

The shady trees cover him with their shadow.— Job. xl. 22.[1913 Webster]

And Amaryllis fills the shady groves.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

2.Sheltered from the glare of light or sultry heat. [1913 Webster]

Cast it also that you may have rooms shady for summer and warm for winter.— Bacon.[1913 Webster]

3.Of or pertaining to shade or darkness; hence, unfit to be seen or known; of questionable character; unsavory; equivocal; dubious, corrupt, or criminal; as, a shady character; -- of people or activities. [Colloq.] "A shady business." --London Sat. Rev.

Shady characters, disreputable, criminal.— London Spectator.[1913 Webster]

On the shady side of, on the thither side of; as, on the shady side of fifty; that is, more than fifty. [Colloq.]

To keep shady, to stay in concealment; also, to be reticent. [Slang] [1913 Webster]