pour down
A2 informal intransitive
In simple words
When it rains very, very hard without stopping.
Literal meaning: Liquid flowing forcefully downward — the 'down' reinforces the direction and force of the rainfall.
Meanings
1 A2 informal
To rain very heavily and continuously.
"We had planned a picnic, but it poured down all afternoon so we stayed inside."
"It was pouring down with rain and I was soaked to the skin."
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
2 B1 neutral
For any liquid to flow downward in a large, continuous stream.
"Tears poured down her cheeks as she read the letter."
Usage notes
Almost always used impersonally with 'it' as the subject (e.g., 'it's pouring down'). Common in British English; Americans more often say 'it's pouring' without 'down'. Rarely used transitively.
Commonly used with
rain outside all day cats and dogs heavily
Forms
Base
pour down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pours down
he/she/it
Past simple
poured down
yesterday
Past participle
poured down
have + pp
-ing form
pouring down
continuous
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