ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get down on

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford Informal

phr. v.. to criticize someone a lot or treat them unfairly.

phr. v.. to criticize or find fault with someone persistently; often implies a pattern of negative judgment or discouragement directed at a specific person.


SIMPLE

Don't get down on yourself just because you made one mistake.

CONTEXTUAL

The coach really got down on the players after they lost the championship game.

COMPLEX

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.

Particles
down on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
get + down + on + object
Usage

usually takes a person or oneself as the object.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'get down to' (to start work) to avoid confusion; emphasize that this phrase describes a negative social interaction or self-criticism.

Pitfall

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.

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