get down

To move to a lower place, or help someone or something move there.

• The cat cannot get down.
• We got down from the roof safely.
• Could you get the suitcase down for me?

How to use it: get down from something (The boy got down from the wall.); get someone/something down (Can you get that box down?)

Similar words: come down, bring down, descend

Opposites: go up

Common phrases: get down safely, get down from something, get something down

To lower your body close to the ground to avoid being hurt.

• Get down! Someone is shooting!
• We got down behind a wall.
• She told the children to get down on the floor.

Similar words: duck, take cover

Common phrases: get down quickly, get down low

To start giving your full attention to a task or subject.

• Let's get down to work.
• She got down to studying after dinner.
• When will we get down to discussing the costs?

How to use it: get down to something (Let's get down to business.); get down to doing something (I finally got down to writing the report.)

Similar words: settle down to, focus on, start

Common phrases: get down to work, get down to business

To make someone feel unhappy, tired, or less hopeful.

• This weather gets me down.
• The constant criticism got her down.
• Don't let one bad result get you down.

How to use it: get someone down (All these delays are getting me down.)

Similar words: depress, discourage, wear down

Opposites: cheer up

Common phrases: get someone down, get someone down emotionally

To manage to swallow food, drink, or medicine, especially when it is difficult.

• I could barely get the pill down.
• She got some soup down despite her sore throat.
• Can you get any water down?

How to use it: get something down (He could not get the tablet down.)

Similar words: swallow

Common phrases: get something down, get down food

To enjoy yourself freely and with energy, often by dancing or playing music.

• Come on, let's get down!
• Everyone got down when the band started playing.
• They were getting down on the dance floor.

How to use it: get down with someone (We got down with our friends at the party.)

Similar words: let loose, have fun, party

Common phrases: get down tonight, get down together