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filter down

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To slowly pass down to people lower in a group or system.

Literal meaning: To pass downward through a filter, as a liquid would.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

Of information, effects, or resources: to gradually reach people at lower levels of a hierarchy or organisation.

"It took weeks for news of the policy change to filter down to the branch offices."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral

Of a liquid or light: to pass slowly downward through layers or a filtering medium.

"Rainwater filters down through the soil and eventually reaches the aquifer."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily used figuratively in business, political, and social contexts. Conveys slowness and sometimes incompleteness — things that 'filter down' may not reach everyone or may arrive changed. Also used literally for liquids or light passing through layers.

Commonly used with

information news money resources changes benefits

Forms

Base
filter down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
filters down
he/she/it
Past simple
filtered down
yesterday
Past participle
filtered down
have + pp
-ing form
filtering down
continuous

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