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drill down

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To look more and more closely at the details of something, like going deeper and deeper into a topic or a computer database.

Literal meaning: To use a drill to bore downward through layers of material.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

In computing or data analysis, to access more detailed layers of information by navigating through a hierarchy.

"You can drill down into the sales figures by clicking on each region on the dashboard."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To examine a subject or problem in much more detail and depth.

"Let's drill down into why the project fell behind schedule."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Originally a data/computing term referring to navigating through layers of information in a database. Now widely used in business and journalism to mean examining an issue in depth. Very common in professional and tech contexts.

Commonly used with

data details numbers specifics information figures

Forms

Base
drill down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drills down
he/she/it
Past simple
drilled down
yesterday
Past participle
drilled down
have + pp
-ing form
drilling down
continuous

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