pɪn daʊn
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- pin
- Particle:
- down
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "pin down" mean?
- To determine or identify precisely
- To force someone to make a commitment
Examples
- It's hard to pin down exactly what went wrong.
- I tried to pin him down on a date.
- Scientists are trying to pin down the cause.
- Can you pin down the source of the problem?
How to use it
Often used when something is elusive or difficult to define.
Word order
Can be separated: 'pin it down' or 'pin down the cause'.
Similar expressions
determine
identify
nail down
Related phrasal verbs
- turn down
To reduce the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- bring down
To cause something to fall or collapse
- go down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- come down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- break down
To stop working or functioning (machines, vehicles)
- put down
To place something on a surface
Use it in a practice answer
Try "pin down" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.