bring down

British  

verb

1. to cause to fall

   the fighter aircraft brought the enemy down

   the ministers agreed to bring down the price of oil

2. slang (usually passive) to cause to be elated and then suddenly depressed, as from using drugs

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bring down Idioms  

1. Cause to fall, collapse, or die. For example, The pilot won a medal for bringing down enemy aircraft , or The bill's defeat was sure to bring down the party . [c. 1300]

2. Cause a punishment or judgment, as in The bomb threats brought down the public's wrath on the terrorists [Mid-1600s]

3. Reduce, lower, as in I won't buy it till they bring down the price , or He refused to bring himself down to their level . This usage may be literal, as in the first example, or figurative, as in the second. [First half of 1500s]

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Example Sentences

"We do need to bring down water bills, energy bills, rail fares, just as we've brought down bus fares in Greater Manchester to make life more affordable for people," Burnham said.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, known for her support of boosting spending in the country, has previously dismissed the idea of hiking interest rates, though she is under pressure to bring down Japan's inflation.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

It suggests tapping your retirement fund before age 73 to help bring down your balances, along with your RMDs.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

We have a solution that will bring down fuel prices for Americans: E15 fuel, 15% ethanol, 85% gasoline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

But a thorough look at the data reveals that the graying of America did nothing to bring down crime in the 1990s.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt