1 B2 idiomatic informal
To say unfair or negative things about someone in order to make them seem worse. (British)
"Stop doing yourself down — you're much more capable than you give yourself credit for."
separable
do down
B2 informal separable transitive
To speak negatively about someone, or to cheat or treat someone unfairly. (British English)
In plain English
To say bad things about someone or treat someone unfairly to make them look worse.
What does "do down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To cheat or swindle someone. (British, informal)
"He felt the company had done him down when they refused his rightful bonus."
separable
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Less common in American or Australian English. 'Do down' can mean to belittle someone verbally or to cheat/swindle them. Often implies deliberate intent to harm someone's reputation or interests.
Words that pair with "do down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
competitor colleague opponent themselves reputation
How to conjugate "do down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
do down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
does down
he/she/it
Past simple
did down
yesterday
Past participle
done down
have + pp
-ing form
doing down
continuous
Hear "do down" in the wild
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