get down on
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to criticize someone a lot or treat them unfairly.
phrasal verb. to criticize or find fault with someone persistently; often implies a pattern of negative judgment or discouragement directed at a specific person.
Don't get down on yourself just because you made one mistake.
The coach really got down on the players after they lost the championship game.
It is easy for managers to get down on their subordinates during a crisis, but constructive feedback is usually more effective for long-term morale.
usually takes a person or oneself as the object.
contrast with 'get down to' (to start work) to avoid confusion; emphasize that this phrase describes a negative social interaction or self-criticism.
He got down on to his brother.He got down on his brother.the phrase is 'get down on' followed directly by the object; adding 'to' is a common error from confusing it with other 'get' phrases.
Last updated April 24, 2026