argue down
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
Win an argument against someone, or get someone to lower their price by arguing with them.
Meanings
1 B2 informal
To defeat someone in a debate or argument by presenting stronger or more persuasive points.
"She argued down every objection he raised until he finally agreed with her."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 informal
To persuade someone to reduce a price or demand through negotiation.
"He managed to argue the seller down from £5,000 to £3,800 for the car."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Two main uses: (1) to defeat someone intellectually in a debate, and (2) to negotiate a price downward. Both senses are common in everyday British and American English. The price-negotiation sense is especially common in market or business contexts.
Commonly used with
opponent price proposal claim critic amount
Forms
Base
argue down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
argues down
he/she/it
Past simple
argued down
yesterday
Past participle
argued down
have + pp
-ing form
arguing down
continuous
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