1 B1 neutral
to make something move to a lower position
"Could you pull down the screen so we can start the presentation?"
separable
pull down
B1 neutral separable transitive
to bring something lower, demolish it, or reduce its level
In plain English
to make something go down or come down
What does "pull down" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
to demolish or knock down a building or structure
"They pulled down the old cinema last winter."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
to reduce the level, amount, or strength of something
"Higher borrowing costs have pulled down consumer spending."
separable
4 C1 idiomatic informal
to earn a particular amount of money
"She pulls down a six-figure salary in that role."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, to pull something downward.
Actually means
to make something go down or come down
Usage tip
Common in literal uses like blinds and shutters, and in figurative uses like wages or confidence. In some varieties, it can also mean earn money.
Words that pair with "pull down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
blinds shutters building wages score menu
How to conjugate "pull down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pull down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls down
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled down
yesterday
Past participle
pulled down
have + pp
-ing form
pulling down
continuous
Hear "pull down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pull down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pull down"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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