ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turn down

idiom
Meaning

To refuse, decline, or deny.


Examples
SIMPLE

She had to turn down the invitation.

CONTEXTUAL

The company offered him a job in another city, but he turned it down to stay near his family.

COMPLEX

Despite the generous salary and prestigious title, she turned down the promotion, knowing the long hours would destroy her health.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    Buggins's turn

    A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.

  2. 02

    everything one touches turns to gold

    Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.

  3. 03

    everything one touches turns to shit

    Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.

  4. 04

    good turn

    A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.

  5. 05

    left turn

    An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.

  6. 06

    poacher turned gamekeeper

    A person now charged with protecting what they formerly preyed upon.

  7. 07

    serve the turn

    To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.

  8. 08

    star turn

    An acting performance which causes the performer to become renowned.

Last updated April 17, 2026