1
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Phrase(s): bring something down
1. Lit. to move something from a higher place to a lower place. • Bring that box down, please. • And while you’re up there, please bring down the box marked "winter clothing." 2. to lower something, such as prices, profits, taxes, etc. • The governor pledged to bring taxes down. • I hope they bring down taxes. 3. Fig. to defeat or overcome something, such as an enemy, a government, etc. • The events of the last week will probably bring the government down. • The scandal will bring down the government, I hope., Phrase(s): bring someone down
1. Lit. to assist or accompany someone from a higher place to a lower place. • Please bring your friends down so I can meet them. • She brought down her cousin, who had been taking a nap upstairs. • Aunt Mattie was brought down for supper. 2. Fig. to bring someone to a place for a visit. • Let’s bring Tom and Terri down for a visit this weekend. • We brought down Tom just last month. • They were brought down at our expense for a weekend visit. 3. Fig. to restore someone to a normal mood or attitude. (After a period of elation or, perhaps, drug use.) • The bad news brought me down quickly. • I was afraid that the sudden change of plans would bring down the entire group.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
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1. Cause to fall, collapse, or die. For example, The pilot won a medal for bringing down enemy aircraft, or The bill's defeat was sure to bring down the party. [c. 1300] 2. Cause a punishment or judgment, as in The bomb threats brought down the public's wrath on the terrorists [Mid-1600s] 3. Reduce, lower, as in I won't buy it till they bring down the price, or He refused to bring himself down to their level. This usage may be literal, as in the first example, or figurative, as in the second. [First half of 1500s]
American Heritage Idioms