The phrase "gave lowdown on" means to provide information or details about something. There are several synonyms for this term that can be used interchangeably to convey the same meaning. Some of these synonyms include 'filled in,' 'briefed,' 'informed,' 'clued in,' 'enlightened,' and 'knowledgeable.' All of these words can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of sharing crucial information about a topic or subject. In conclusion, while "gave lowdown on" is a common phrase, there are several other similarly meaningful phrases to use in its place.