1 B2 idiomatic informal
To criticise or blame yourself or someone else, often unfairly.
"Don't get down on yourself just because you made one mistake."
inseparable
get down on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To criticise, blame, or be negative towards yourself or others.
In plain English
To say bad things about someone or to blame yourself for something.
What does "get down on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To physically lower yourself onto a surface, such as knees or all fours.
"He got down on one knee and proposed."
inseparable
Usage tip
Most commonly used reflexively: 'Don't get down on yourself.' Can also refer to criticism of others. Mainly informal and conversational. Common in American English.
Words that pair with "get down on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
yourself myself himself her them mistakes
How to conjugate "get down on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
get down on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets down on
he/she/it
Past simple
got down on
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten down on
have + pp
-ing form
getting down on
continuous
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