1 B1 neutral
To swallow something, especially something unpleasant or difficult to swallow, by forcing it down your throat.
"She grimaced and swallowed down the bitter-tasting cough syrup as quickly as she could."
separable
swallow down
B1 neutral separable transitive
To force something down your throat by swallowing, especially something difficult or unpleasant to swallow.
In plain English
To make yourself swallow something, usually something that tastes bad or is hard to swallow.
What does "swallow down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
(Figurative) To suppress or hold back an emotion, such as fear, anger, or grief.
"He swallowed down his anger and replied as calmly as he could manage."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To swallow something down (into one's stomach).
Actually means
To make yourself swallow something, usually something that tastes bad or is hard to swallow.
Usage tip
Often used when the swallowing requires effort — unpleasant medicine, large pills, or unpalatable food. Can also be used figuratively for suppressing an emotion or difficult truth. The 'down' reinforces the direction of the swallowing action.
Words that pair with "swallow down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pill medicine food emotion pride tears
How to conjugate "swallow down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
swallow down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swallows down
he/she/it
Past simple
swallowed down
yesterday
Past participle
swallowed down
have + pp
-ing form
swallowing down
continuous
Hear "swallow down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "swallow down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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