brɪŋ daʊn
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- bring
- Particle:
- down
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "bring down" mean?
- To cause something to fall or collapse
- To reduce something such as prices, costs, or levels
- To cause someone to lose power or be defeated
- To make someone feel sad or depressed
Examples
- The scandal brought down the entire government.
- We need to bring down our operating costs by 20%.
- The news really brought her down for days.
- Strong winds brought down several trees in the park.
- The opposition party is trying to bring down the prime minister.
How to use it
'Bring someone down' informally means to make them sad. In political/business contexts, it means to cause their downfall.
Word order
Object can go between: 'bring the costs down' or after: 'bring down the costs'. Pronouns must go between: 'bring it down'.
Similar expressions
reduce
lower
topple
depress
defeat
Opposites
raise
increase
uplift
support
Related phrasal verbs
- bring up
To mention or introduce a topic in conversation
- bring back
To return something to its original place or owner
- bring in
To introduce or implement something new
- bring out
To produce and release a new product, book, or album
- bring together
To unite people or groups
- bring about
To cause something to happen
Use it in a practice answer
Try "bring down" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.