1 B2 neutral
To fasten or secure something to a surface tightly using rope, cord, or straps.
"The sailors lashed down the cargo before the storm hit."
separable
lash down
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To tie something firmly to a surface using rope or straps; or (of rain) to fall very hard and heavily.
In plain English
To tie something down very tightly so it doesn't move; or (of rain) to fall down very hard and fast.
What does "lash down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
(Of rain) to fall very heavily and with force, often driven by wind.
"We couldn't leave the tent — the rain was absolutely lashing down."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A lash is a blow or stroke; 'lashing down' pictures rain beating down like whip-strokes, or a rope being tied down firmly.
Actually means
To tie something down very tightly so it doesn't move; or (of rain) to fall down very hard and fast.
Usage tip
The 'tying down' sense is common in maritime, military, and outdoor/camping contexts. The rain sense is chiefly British and often impersonal: 'it's lashing down'. Both senses are active and forceful in tone.
Words that pair with "lash down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cargo tarpaulin equipment rope rain storm
How to conjugate "lash down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lash down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lashes down
he/she/it
Past simple
lashed down
yesterday
Past participle
lashed down
have + pp
-ing form
lashing down
continuous
Hear "lash down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "lash down"
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