Phrasal verb
take down
Meanings
To remove something from a wall, shelf, or other high place.
To write or record information, especially while someone is speaking.
To defeat someone or make something fall or stop working.
Definition
To take down means to remove something from a higher place or to make a written record of information.
To take down is commonly used when you remove something that is hanging or fixed in place, like a picture or decoration. It can also mean to write down information that someone says, such as a phone number or instructions. In some contexts, it means to defeat someone or stop something from operating, but this is less common in everyday study use.
Examples
- I need to take down the curtains before I wash them.
- Could you take down my email address during the call?
- He took down the photo from his desk and put it in a drawer.
- They took down the strongest team in the tournament last night.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse take down (remove or record) with put down (place down or insult).
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.