1 C1 idiomatic formal
To pass authority, information, or resources downward through successive layers of an organization.
"The new company policy was pyramided down from senior management to team leaders to individual staff."
inseparable
pyramid down
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
To distribute or pass something downward through successive levels of a hierarchy.
In plain English
To pass something from the top level down to lower and lower groups, like water flowing down a pyramid.
What does "pyramid down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
In investment or trading, to reduce a position progressively by selling portions at lower price levels.
"As the stock fell, he pyramided down, selling small amounts at each support level to reduce his losses."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move downward in the shape of a pyramid — from a wide top spreading to lower, narrower levels (inverted from a literal pyramid shape).
Actually means
To pass something from the top level down to lower and lower groups, like water flowing down a pyramid.
Usage tip
Specialist/technical language used in business, organizational management, or finance. Describes how authority, resources, information, or responsibility flows downward through hierarchical levels. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
Words that pair with "pyramid down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
authority responsibility information resources management structure
How to conjugate "pyramid down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pyramid down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pyramids down
he/she/it
Past simple
pyramided down
yesterday
Past participle
pyramided down
have + pp
-ing form
pyramiding down
continuous
Hear "pyramid down" in the wild
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