Phrasal verb
filter down
Definition
phrasal verb. When information or changes start at a high level and slowly reach the people at the bottom. You use this when news from a boss eventually reaches the workers.
phrasal verb. To pass through a hierarchy or system gradually, typically referring to information, decisions, or effects moving from a higher level to a lower one. The verb is intransitive in this sense and often takes the preposition 'to'.
Examples
“The news about the bonus will filter down to the team soon.”
“It took several weeks for the new safety regulations to filter down from the head office to the workers on the factory floor.”
“Economists debated whether the tax cuts for large corporations would actually filter down to the average consumer or simply increase shareholder dividends.”
Examples
simple
“The news about the bonus will filter down to the team soon.”
contextual
“It took several weeks for the new safety regulations to filter down from the head office to the workers on the factory floor.”
complex
“Economists debated whether the tax cuts for large corporations would actually filter down to the average consumer or simply increase shareholder dividends.”
Usage
Usually describes information or money moving through a company or government.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'trickle down', which is almost exclusively used for money and economic policy rather than general information.
Pitfall
The information filtered down the staff.
The information filtered down to the staff.
The verb requires the preposition 'to' when specifying the recipient of the information or effect.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
filter + down (+ to + object)
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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