1 B2 idiomatic informal
To firmly and dismissively reject a suggestion, proposal, or challenge, often using authority.
"The minister was quickly slapped down by the Prime Minister for speaking out of turn."
separable
slap down
B2 informal separable transitive
To reject or rebuke someone or their idea firmly and dismissively, often by someone in authority.
In plain English
To quickly say 'no' to someone's idea or tell them to be quiet, often in a rude or firm way.
What does "slap down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To place something flat onto a surface with a sharp, slapping sound.
"She slapped a twenty-dollar bill down on the counter and walked out."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To slap (strike) something downward — implying a sharp, physical rejection.
Actually means
To quickly say 'no' to someone's idea or tell them to be quiet, often in a rude or firm way.
Usage tip
Common in political and journalistic writing. Often implies an imbalance of power — a senior person slapping down a junior one. Can also mean to physically place something down with a slapping sound.
Words that pair with "slap down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
suggestion proposal attempt rebellion critic request
How to conjugate "slap down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slap down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slaps down
he/she/it
Past simple
slaped down
yesterday
Past participle
slaped down
have + pp
-ing form
slaping down
continuous
Hear "slap down" in the wild
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