To kill or knock down a large number of people rapidly and violently.
To knock down or kill lots of people quickly, like cutting grass with a mower.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To kill a large number of people rapidly, especially with a weapon or vehicle.
"The soldiers were mowed down by enemy machine gun fire before they could reach cover."
They were mowed down by a gunman who opened fire without warning.
To knock down or overwhelm a group physically, such as in a sports context.
"The fullback mowed down three defenders on his way to the try line."
A lawn mower cuts grass down in a sweeping motion — the violent sense is a direct metaphorical extension.
To knock down or kill lots of people quickly, like cutting grass with a mower.
Strongly associated with violence — gunfire, vehicles, or weapons. Used in journalism, war reports, and fiction. Not appropriate for casual conversation. The metaphor comes from a lawn mower cutting grass.
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