flatten down
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To push something hard so it goes completely flat and doesn't stick up.
Literal meaning: To make flat by applying downward force — transparent and non-idiomatic.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To press something firmly so it lies flat against a surface.
"Flatten down the pastry before adding the filling."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral
To cause something that is raised or unruly to lie flat.
"He tried to flatten down his hair before the interview but it kept springing back up."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used in practical, everyday contexts such as cooking, crafts, and gardening. Less common than 'flatten out' and tends to emphasize downward pressure.
Commonly used with
hair dough grass cardboard soil wrinkles
Forms
Base
flatten down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flattens down
he/she/it
Past simple
flattened down
yesterday
Past participle
flattened down
have + pp
-ing form
flattening down
continuous
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