Phrasal verb
come down on
Meanings
to criticize or punish someone strongly
to firmly choose or state a position in a disagreement
Definition
To come down on someone means to criticize or punish them strongly for something.
“Come down on” is a phrasal verb used when a person in authority reacts strongly to something they think is wrong. It often means to criticize someone harshly or to punish them. It can also mean to firmly support one side in a disagreement.
Examples
- My coach came down on me for skipping practice without telling anyone.
- The teacher came down on you for using your phone during the test.
- Her parents came down on her after she broke curfew again.
- The company came down on him for sharing confidential details in a meeting.
- After hearing both sides, they came down on the side of stricter rules.
Common mistake
Learners often omit the object and say “come down on” without stating who is criticized (e.g., “They came down on for being late” instead of “They came down on me for being late”).
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.