1 C1 idiomatic slang
To perform oral sex on someone.
"This topic came up in the comedy show when the host made a joke about going down on someone."
inseparable
go down on
C1 slang inseparable transitive
To perform oral sex on someone.
In plain English
To use your mouth to give someone sexual pleasure.
What does "go down on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Physically moving downward toward someone — the literal movement is the basis of the euphemism.
Actually means
To use your mouth to give someone sexual pleasure.
Usage tip
Vulgar slang. Not appropriate in formal or professional contexts. Used widely in both British and American English. ESL learners should be aware of this meaning to avoid accidental confusion with 'go down' or 'go down with'.
How to conjugate "go down on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go down on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes down on
he/she/it
Past simple
went down on
yesterday
Past participle
gone down on
have + pp
-ing form
going down on
continuous
Hear "go down on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go down on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "go down on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
go down perform oral sex on
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