1 B2 idiomatic informal
To drink something quickly, especially alcohol or medicine, in one swift motion.
"He tossed down the shot of whiskey without flinching."
separable
toss down
B2 informal separable transitive
To drink something quickly in one motion, or to place something down in a casual or forceful way.
In plain English
To drink something quickly all at once, or to put something down fast.
What does "toss down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To place or drop something onto a surface quickly and without care.
"She tossed down her keys on the kitchen counter and kicked off her shoes."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To throw something downward.
Actually means
To drink something quickly all at once, or to put something down fast.
Usage tip
Most commonly used for drinking alcohol or medicine in one quick motion. Also used literally for placing an object down quickly. Less common than 'knock back' for the drinking sense.
Words that pair with "toss down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shot drink pill coffee medicine whiskey
How to conjugate "toss down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
toss down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tosses down
he/she/it
Past simple
tossed down
yesterday
Past participle
tossed down
have + pp
-ing form
tossing down
continuous
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