1
general::
Phrase(s): wash something down (with something)
1. to clean something by flooding with water, alcohol, etc. • The doctor washed the area down and began to stitch up the wound. • She washed down the wound with alcohol to clean it thoroughly. • Todd washed the driveway down with water. 2. Fig. to use fluid to aid the swallowing of food or medicine. • Molly washed the pills down with a gulp of coffee. • She washed down the pills with a glass of water., Phrase(s): wash something down something
to get rid of something by flooding it down the sewer, drain, sink, etc. • Wash all the soap suds down the drain and clean the sink, please. • Please wash all that stuff down the drain.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Clean by washing from top to bottom, as in He always washes down the walls before painting. [Second half of 1800s] 2. Drink a liquid after eating food or taking medicine, as in He washed down the pills with a glass of water. [c. 1600]
American Heritage Idioms