Phrasal verb
bring down
Definitions
01to remove from power
B2 · Upper Intermediate
phr.v. to make a leader or a government lose their position of power.
phr.v. to cause the downfall or removal of a government, leader, or institution.
“The scandal was enough to bring down the entire government.”
“A series of sustained protests and economic failures eventually served to bring down the long-standing military regime.”
Usage
Separable; the object can sit between 'bring' and 'down'.
02to reduce
B1 · Intermediate
phr.v. to lower the level, price, or amount of something.
phr.v. to cause a reduction in quantity, price, or intensity.
“The shop is trying to bring down prices to attract more customers.”
“The central bank implemented new policies intended to bring down the rate of inflation before the end of the fiscal year.”
Usage
Separable; frequently used with prices, costs, or levels.
03to make sad
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
phr.v. to make someone feel unhappy or depressed.
phr.v. to cause someone to experience a decline in mood or spirits.
“I was having a great day until that phone call brought me down.”
“It was a beautiful wedding, but the best man's tragic story really brought everyone down during the speeches.”
Usage
Separable; almost always takes a person as the direct object.
04to make fall
B2 · Upper Intermediate
phr.v. to cause someone or something to fall to the ground.
phr.v. to cause a person, animal, or object to fall, often by force or by using a weapon.
“The defender managed to bring down the striker just outside the box.”
“The anti-aircraft battery was able to bring down the enemy drone before it reached the city limits.”
Usage
Separable; common in sports contexts like football or rugby.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bring down” in context.
Verb
01. bring down the administration and reform
“The activists hoped to bring down the administration and reform the entire political system.”
verb + and + verb
02. conspire to bring down the leader
“Several ministers were caught conspiring to bring down the leader in a secret meeting.”
verb + infinitive
03. threaten to bring down the government
“The corruption scandal threatened to bring down the government just weeks before the election.”
verb + infinitive
04. ultimately bring down the regime
“The widespread protests would ultimately bring down the regime after decades of rule.”
adv + verb
Noun
05. attempt to bring down the president
“The failed coup was a desperate attempt to bring down the president.”
noun + infinitive
06. plot to bring down the ceo
“The board of directors uncovered a secret plot to bring down the CEO.”
noun + infinitive
Teaching tip
contrast with the literal sense of lowering an object; in this figurative sense, it is often used in news and political discourse to describe a forced loss of power.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
bring + (object) + 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 IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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