go down
- 01 A2 Elementary
to move from a higher place to a lower one, like using stairs or a lift.
to move from a higher to a lower physical position or level. The verb is intransitive in this sense.
Simple“We had to go down three flights of stairs because the elevator was broken.”
In context“The hikers decided to go down the mountain before the storm arrived, choosing the steeper but faster southern trail.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
to become lower in amount, price, or level.
to decrease in value, amount, or intensity. Often used with subjects like prices, temperatures, or unemployment rates.
Simple“The price of petrol usually goes down during the winter months.”
In context“Economists predict that interest rates will go down once inflation is brought under control by the central bank.”
- 03 A2 Elementary
when the sun moves below the horizon at the end of the day.
to set below the horizon. Relational to the transition from day to evening.
Simple“We sat on the beach and watched the sun go down.”
In context“As the sun went down, the temperature in the desert dropped rapidly, forcing the campers to start a fire.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
how people react to an idea, a joke, or a performance.
to be received or accepted by an audience or a specific group of people.
Simple“His joke about the boss didn't go down very well at the meeting.”
In context“The proposal to reduce annual leave did not go down well with the union representatives during the first round of negotiations.”
Synonymsbe receivedbe accepted - 05 B1 Intermediate
when a computer, a website, or a system stops working.
to cease functioning or to become unavailable, specifically regarding computers, servers, or mechanical systems.
Simple“The company's website went down for two hours yesterday afternoon.”
In context“The entire internal network went down after a power surge damaged the main server room equipment.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
to be recorded or remembered in a certain way in history.
to be recorded or remembered in history or in a formal record. Usually followed by 'as' or 'in history'.
Simple“This victory will go down in history as one of the greatest upsets.”
In context“The CEO's decision to pivot the company's strategy will likely go down as the most significant turning point in its fifty-year history.”
Synonymsbe recordedbe remembered - 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
to take place or happen, especially something exciting or bad.
to take place or occur. Often used to describe events that are unfolding or being planned.
Simple“Nobody really knows what went down during the argument last night.”
In context“The witnesses were reluctant to tell the police exactly what went down when the fight broke out in the club.”
- 08 B2 Upper Intermediate
to lose a game or a fight, especially by a large amount.
to suffer a defeat in a competition or conflict.
Simple“The champion went down in the fifth round after a heavy blow.”
In context“Despite their early lead, the home team went down four-nil in the final quarter of the match.”
- 09 C1 Advanced
to be sent to prison for a crime.
to be convicted of a crime and sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
Simple“He went down for five years for his part in the robbery.”
In context“The defense attorney argued that his client was a minor player, but the judge ruled he would still go down for the conspiracy.”
Synonymsbe imprisonedbe jailed
Contrast with 'go up' (increase); introduce the core meaning of 'decrease' first before exploring other senses like the sun setting or a system failing.