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reach down

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To put your arm or hand down lower to get or touch something.

Literal meaning: To physically extend your arm or body in a downward direction to touch something.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To extend your arm or hand downward in order to touch, pick up, or grab something.

"She reached down and picked up the coin that had rolled under the table."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To extend downward in length to a particular point (used of clothing, hair, or objects).

"His coat reached down to his ankles, making him look very dramatic."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic formal

Figuratively, to connect with or help people at a lower social, professional, or emotional level.

"A great leader must be willing to reach down and support those at the bottom of the organisation."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used very literally. Also used figuratively to mean helping someone in a lower position or extending effort downward in a hierarchy. Common in physical descriptions and instructions.

Commonly used with

floor ground pocket bag shelf drawer

Forms

Base
reach down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reaches down
he/she/it
Past simple
reached down
yesterday
Past participle
reached down
have + pp
-ing form
reaching down
continuous

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Synonyms

stretch down bend down lower your hand extend downward

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