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scribble down

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To write something fast, usually in messy handwriting because you're in a hurry

Literal meaning: To scribble (write messily) something down onto a surface — fairly transparent, the idiomatic leap is minimal

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To write something hastily and untidily, usually to record it quickly before it is forgotten

"She scribbled down the phone number on the back of a receipt before she lost signal."

"I scribbled down a few notes during the lecture and then typed them up later."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 informal

To quickly sketch or doodle something informal, such as a diagram or rough drawing

"He scribbled down a quick map on a napkin to show us the way."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Often used when someone needs to capture information fast before forgetting it. The 'down' particle reinforces the act of committing something to paper. Common in both British and American English.

Commonly used with

notes number address idea message reminder

Forms

Base
scribble down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scribbles down
he/she/it
Past simple
scribbled down
yesterday
Past participle
scribbled down
have + pp
-ing form
scribbling down
continuous

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Synonyms

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