Phrasal verb
pipe down
Definition
phrasal verb. to stop talking or making noise when you are being too loud. You use this when you want someone to be quiet.
phrasal verb. to cease talking or making noise; the verb is intransitive and functions as an informal imperative to command silence.
Examples
“Please pipe down so I can hear the news.”
“The teacher told the students to pipe down because the principal was walking past the classroom.”
“As the speaker approached the podium, the rowdy crowd finally began to pipe down, allowing the opening remarks to be heard.”
Examples
simple
“Please pipe down so I can hear the news.”
contextual
“The teacher told the students to pipe down because the principal was walking past the classroom.”
complex
“As the speaker approached the podium, the rowdy crowd finally began to pipe down, allowing the opening remarks to be heard.”
Usage
usually used as a command or to describe someone becoming quiet after being loud.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'shut up' (rude) and 'be quiet' (neutral); 'pipe down' is informal and firm but slightly less aggressive than 'shut up'.
Pitfall
He piped down his voice.
He piped down.
'pipe down' is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
pipe + down
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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