pin down

verb

1. to force (someone) to make a decision or carry out a promise

2. to define clearly

   he had a vague suspicion that he couldn't quite pin down

3. to confine to a place

   the fallen tree pinned him down

Idioms and Phrases

Fix or establish clearly, as in The firefighters finally were able to pin down the source of the odor . [Mid-1900s]

Force someone to give precise information or opinions, as in The reporter pinned down the governor on the issue of conservation measures . [c. 1700]

Example Sentences

Her approach consists of combining aerosol and seawater samples with sediment records, satellite data and lab microcosms to pin down cause and effect.

Read more on Science Daily

Whether it’s a semi-ironic obsession with artisanal cheese-making, a random passion for sitar music or a stubborn preference for a flip phone, there are many wonderful contradictions about humans that algorithms can’t quite pin down.

Read more on Salon

GPs in England are being urged to "think again" if they see a sick patient three times and can't pin down a diagnosis, or find their symptoms are getting worse.

Read more on BBC

Blunt’s roller-coaster performance as a champion wrestler’s love — and perhaps his most dangerous opponent — is hard to pin down.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The sheriff was not an easy man to pin down.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cause 
• charge 
• compel 
• demand 
• drag 
• drive 
• impose 
• inflict 
• limit 
• make 
• move 
• oblige 
• order 
• press 
• pressure 
• require 
• restrict 
• urge