show down
C1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To make someone prove what they have, or to have a big final fight or argument.
Literal meaning: To show (reveal) by putting (down) — transparent in card game context.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
In card games, to reveal one's cards at the end of a hand to determine the winner.
"After the final bet was called, all the players showed down their hands."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To bring about or force a decisive confrontation.
"The union leader decided it was time to show down with management over the pay dispute."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Extremely rare as a phrasal verb; most commonly encountered in the noun form 'showdown'. In card games (especially poker), 'show down' can mean to reveal all players' cards at the end of a hand. Outside of gaming contexts, it is largely obsolete.
Commonly used with
cards hand opponent moment final
Forms
Base
show down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shows down
he/she/it
Past simple
showed down
yesterday
Past participle
shown down
have + pp
-ing form
showing down
continuous
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