hew down
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To chop something down by hitting it hard many times.
Literal meaning: To cut downward with a hewing (chopping) motion until something falls.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To cut a tree or large object down using an axe or similar tool with powerful blows.
"The woodsmen hewed down the ancient oak to clear space for the new road."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
To kill or defeat enemies in battle with sweeping, powerful blows (literary/figurative).
"In the old legend, the hero hewed down his enemies until none remained standing."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Literary and somewhat formal in modern English. Common in historical, biblical, and epic contexts. Can also be used figuratively for destroying an enemy or obstacle.
Commonly used with
tree timber enemy forest statue pillars
Forms
Base
hew down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hews down
he/she/it
Past simple
hewed down
yesterday
Past participle
hewed down
have + pp
-ing form
hewing down
continuous
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