1 C1 formal
to move downward while pressing through resistance with the front of the body
"The animal breasted down the muddy bank toward the stream."
inseparable
breast down
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
to force or work your way downward with the chest or front of the body against resistance
In plain English
to push your way down through something
What does "breast down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
The phrase keeps its literal image of using the breast or front of the body while moving downward.
Actually means
to push your way down through something
Usage tip
Very rare and literary. Usually found in descriptions of movement through water, snow, or steep ground.
Words that pair with "breast down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
slope bank water current snow hill
How to conjugate "breast down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
breast down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breasts down
he/she/it
Past simple
breasted down
yesterday
Past participle
breasted down
have + pp
-ing form
breasting down
continuous
Hear "breast down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "breast down"
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