do down
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To say bad things about someone or treat someone unfairly to make them look worse.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To say unfair or negative things about someone in order to make them seem worse. (British)
"Stop doing yourself down — you're much more capable than you give yourself credit for."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To cheat or swindle someone. (British, informal)
"He felt the company had done him down when they refused his rightful bonus."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. Less common in American or Australian English. 'Do down' can mean to belittle someone verbally or to cheat/swindle them. Often implies deliberate intent to harm someone's reputation or interests.
Commonly used with
competitor colleague opponent themselves reputation
Forms
Base
do down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
does down
he/she/it
Past simple
did down
yesterday
Past participle
done down
have + pp
-ing form
doing down
continuous
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Synonyms
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