1 B2 informal
To become gradually less drunk and more clear-headed.
"After a few hours and several glasses of water, he finally began to sober down."
inseparable
sober down
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To become less drunk, excited, or lively; to return to a calm and serious state.
In plain English
To stop being as drunk or wildly excited and become calmer and more normal.
What does "sober down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To become less excited, animated, or lively; to settle into a calmer, more serious mood.
"The news sobered the party down almost immediately."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To become sober (not drunk) and move downward in energy — fairly transparent.
Actually means
To stop being as drunk or wildly excited and become calmer and more normal.
Usage tip
Less common than 'sober up'. More likely to be heard in British English. Often used when someone moves from a highly excited or rowdy state to a quieter one, not necessarily involving alcohol.
Words that pair with "sober down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
crowd party mood celebration atmosphere
How to conjugate "sober down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sober down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sobers down
he/she/it
Past simple
sobered down
yesterday
Past participle
sobered down
have + pp
-ing form
sobering down
continuous
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