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

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

Attorney’s Office, Second District of California, with helping to bring down a ring that had targeted thousands of seniors across the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Meta has been working on ways to bring down costs amid all the increased AI spending.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

Sunday's match will also bring down the curtain on Mohamed Salah's Anfield career..

From BBC • May 23, 2026

‘I will bring down this chamber!’ the giant thundered.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan