come down on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
to speak to someone angrily or punish them hard
Literal meaning: to move downward onto someone
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to criticize someone severely
"The coach came down on the team for not trying hard enough."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to punish or take strict action against someone or something
"The school came down on bullying with new rules and suspensions."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in speech and news writing. It often suggests authority, strong disapproval, or punishment.
Commonly used with
students employees cheating crime latecomers rule-breakers
Forms
Base
come down on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes down on
he/she/it
Past simple
came down on
yesterday
Past participle
come down on
have + pp
-ing form
coming down on
continuous
Understand "come down on" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "come down on" on Looplines