be down
Idioms-
Be depressed, in low spirits, as in During the winter months Sue's always down, but spring cheers her up . [ Colloquial ; mid-1800s]
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Be knowledgeable, canny, or sophisticated, as in He was really down with the new group . This usage probably originated among jazz musicians. [ Slang ; mid-1940s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At around 35 million hectolitres the total harvest would be down two percent on a mediocre 2025 yield and 14 percent below the 2021–2025 average, according to estimates published Wednesday by the ministry of agriculture.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
It’s not too surprising that Tesla’s sales will likely be down compared to last year, according to experts.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 1, 2026
Malaysia’s palm oil exports during the Sept. 1-25 period are estimated to be down 24% on month.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
He delivered in a six-pointer because I think Palace are going to be down there, with a goal and an assist.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026
“They’ve got to be down here somewhere. There’s no way out but that staircase.”
From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
