# get down on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to criticize someone a lot or treat them unfairly.

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

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He got down on to his brother." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.