dirty down
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To make something like a costume or a movie set look realistically dirty and worn-out on purpose.
Literal meaning: To apply dirt downward onto a surface to reduce its clean appearance.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
In film, theatre, or photography: to deliberately add dirt, grime, and wear to a costume, prop, or set to make it look realistically aged or used.
"The costume designer dirtied down the soldier's uniform to make it look like it had been worn through a battle."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Specialist term used in film, television, and theatre production — specifically by costume, set design, and make-up departments. Not used in general everyday speech. May also be applied to make-up for actors playing aged or rough characters.
Commonly used with
costume set prop make-up walls clothing
Forms
Base
dirty down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dirties down
he/she/it
Past simple
dirtied down
yesterday
Past participle
dirtied down
have + pp
-ing form
dirtying down
continuous
Understand "dirty down" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "dirty down" on Looplines