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pop down

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To quickly go to a nearby place or go downstairs for a short time.

Literal meaning: 'Pop' suggests a quick, light movement; 'down' indicates going to a lower place or southward direction — giving a sense of a swift, brief trip.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To make a quick, casual visit to a nearby place, especially one that is geographically lower or further south.

"I'm just going to pop down to the corner shop — do you need anything?"

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 informal

To go downstairs quickly for a short time.

"Can you pop down and check if the post has arrived?"

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To write or note something down quickly on a surface or document.

"Just pop your name down on the list and we'll call you when it's ready."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Primarily informal British English. The 'down' often means literally downstairs or to a place south of or below the speaker's current location. Implies the trip is brief and casual. Also used to mean writing something briefly ('pop something down on paper').

Commonly used with

shop pub town market stairs quickly

Forms

Base
pop down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pops down
he/she/it
Past simple
poped down
yesterday
Past participle
poped down
have + pp
-ing form
poping down
continuous

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