get down on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To say bad things about someone or to blame yourself for something.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To criticise or blame yourself or someone else, often unfairly.
"Don't get down on yourself just because you made one mistake."
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral
To physically lower yourself onto a surface, such as knees or all fours.
"He got down on one knee and proposed."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Most commonly used reflexively: 'Don't get down on yourself.' Can also refer to criticism of others. Mainly informal and conversational. Common in American English.
Commonly used with
yourself myself himself her them mistakes
Forms
Base
get down on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets down on
he/she/it
Past simple
got down on
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten down on
have + pp
-ing form
getting down on
continuous
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Synonyms
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