Phrasal verb
settle down
Meanings
to become calm and stop being excited, noisy, or upset
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to start living in a stable way in one place, often with a long-term routine or relationship
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to sit or lie in a comfortable position and prepare to stay for a while
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Definition
To settle down means to become calm and start living in a stable, quiet way.
To settle down can mean to become calmer after being excited, upset, or busy. It can also mean to begin a stable life in one place, often with a steady routine or long-term relationship. In everyday English, it is common in advice to children, in classrooms, and in conversations about future plans.
Examples
- I need a few minutes to settle down after that loud concert.
- You should settle down and listen before you answer.
- He finally decided to settle down and buy a small house near his work.
- After the kids settled down, she started reading them a story.
- They settled down on the sofa to watch a movie together.
Common mistake
Learners often use "settle" alone when they mean "settle down" for becoming calm (correct: "Settle down," not just "Settle").
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.