slap down
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To quickly say 'no' to someone's idea or tell them to be quiet, often in a rude or firm way.
Literal meaning: To slap (strike) something downward — implying a sharp, physical rejection.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To firmly and dismissively reject a suggestion, proposal, or challenge, often using authority.
"The minister was quickly slapped down by the Prime Minister for speaking out of turn."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral
To place something flat onto a surface with a sharp, slapping sound.
"She slapped a twenty-dollar bill down on the counter and walked out."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in political and journalistic writing. Often implies an imbalance of power — a senior person slapping down a junior one. Can also mean to physically place something down with a slapping sound.
Commonly used with
suggestion proposal attempt rebellion critic request
Forms
Base
slap down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slaps down
he/she/it
Past simple
slaped down
yesterday
Past participle
slaped down
have + pp
-ing form
slaping down
continuous
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