# cool down

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cool-down
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to become less hot, or to become calm after being angry or excited.

For teachers: to decrease in temperature; figuratively, to return to a state of emotional composure following a period of agitation or intense activity.

## Examples

- Let your soup cool down before you eat it.
- After their big argument, he went for a long walk to cool down.
- The engine requires several hours to cool down completely before any mechanical repairs can be safely attempted by the technicians.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I waited for the coffee cool down." but "I waited for the coffee to cool down." — when 'cool down' follows 'wait for [object]', the infinitive 'to' is required.

## Usage notes

- can be used for physical temperature or for human emotions and social situations.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'cool off', which is often used for physical relief from heat (like jumping in a pool), whereas 'cool down' is more common for the process of losing heat or calming anger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.