pin down

To find or decide exactly what something is.

• We cannot pin down the cause.
• They finally pinned down a date for the meeting.
• Can you pin down what feels wrong?

How to use it: pin something down (We need to pin the exact cause down.)

Similar words: identify, establish, determine

Common phrases: pin down details, pin down something, pin down dates

To make someone give a clear answer or agree to something definite.

• Can you pin him down on a price?
• The reporter pinned her down on her plans.
• We finally pinned the supplier down to a delivery date.

How to use it: pin someone down on something (We pinned the builder down on a final price.); pin someone down to something (Can you pin her down to a definite date?)

Similar words: press, get a commitment from

Common phrases: pin down someone, pin down suppliers

To hold someone on their back with both shoulders touching the ground, especially in wrestling.

• Try to pin down your opponent.
• She pinned him down with both shoulders on the mat.
• He struggled as the stronger wrestler pinned him down.

How to use it: pin someone down (The wrestler pinned his opponent down on the mat.)

Similar words: pin

Common phrases: pin down someone, pin down opponents

To hold something in place with small metal pins.

• Pin down the tablecloth.
• She pinned down the paper pattern before cutting the fabric.
• Have you pinned the loose edges down?

How to use it: pin something down (Pin the cloth down before cutting it.)

Similar words: pin, fasten, secure

Common phrases: pin down fabric, pin down something