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settle down

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To stop being noisy or restless and become calm, or to start living quietly in one place with a family.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To become calm, quiet, or less agitated, especially after excitement or restlessness.

"It took the children a long time to settle down after the birthday party."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To begin living a stable life in one place, typically by forming a long-term relationship, getting married, or having children.

"After years of travelling, he finally decided to settle down and buy a house."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To get comfortable in a place or situation and begin focusing on a task.

"She settled down with a cup of tea and started reading the report."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic neutral

For a situation or period to become stable and less troubled after a time of change or difficulty.

"The markets took a few weeks to settle down after the shock announcement."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday English. The 'domestic life' sense often carries a cultural expectation of marriage and children. Widely used to quiet children ('settle down, class!'). Transitive use ('settle someone down') is also common.

Commonly used with

class children relationship family area routine

Forms

Base
settle down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
settles down
he/she/it
Past simple
settled down
yesterday
Past participle
settled down
have + pp
-ing form
settling down
continuous

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Synonyms

calm down quieten down stabilise put down roots establish yourself get comfortable

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