Phrasal verb
be down on
Meanings
To strongly dislike, disapprove of, or criticize someone or something.
To feel worse than usual in mood or health.
Definition
To be down on someone or something means to strongly dislike or criticize them.
"Be down on" is used when someone has a negative opinion about a person, idea, or thing and often criticizes it. It can also mean feeling less healthy or less cheerful than usual. The phrase is common in everyday spoken English and is usually followed by a person or thing (or by yourself: "be down on yourself").
Examples
- My coach is down on my footwork this season.
- Are you down on your new job, or are you just tired today?
- She’s been down on herself since the presentation went badly.
- They were down on the plan because it ignored the timeline.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "be down on" (critical of) with "be down" (sad), and forget to include the object (someone/something).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.