| boil down |
to lessen something by boiling. [2 definitions] |
| boil down to |
of a thing, to have (something) as its central cause, fundamental essence, or core significance. [3 definitions] |
| break down |
to become ineffective or unable to function. [4 definitions] |
| bring down |
to overthrow (something), or cause to fall. [3 definitions] |
| broken-down |
weak or shattered from disease or age. |
| burn down |
to destroy (a standing structure or tall object) with fire. [2 definitions] |
| button-down |
with the collar tips held down with buttons. |
| call down |
to reprimand (someone); scold. |
| calm down |
to become calm; to stop being angry, tense, nervous, or agitated. [3 definitions] |
| clamp down |
(informal) to establish or increase controls or penalties with respect to criminal or disapproved of behaviors. [2 definitions] |
| close down |
to cease operation permanently or for an extended period of time. [5 definitions] |
| come down |
to move to a lower place or position, esp. to the ground or to a lower floor. [9 definitions] |
| come down on |
to scold or criticize. |
| come down to |
of a thing, to have (something) as its central cause, fundamental essence, or core significance. [2 definitions] |
| come down with |
to become ill with (a cold, influenza, or some other illness). |
| crack down |
to increase the severity with which rules, laws, or the like are enforced, esp. to combat abuses or rectify a problem. [2 definitions] |
| cut down |
to decrease the amount of something (often fol. by "on"). [4 definitions] |
| die down |
to lessen in intensity; to come close to ending or being extinguished. |
| down and out |
without money, friends, or hope. |
| down at the heels |
in a state of shabbiness. |