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sober down

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To stop being as drunk or wildly excited and become calmer and more normal.

Literal meaning: To become sober (not drunk) and move downward in energy — fairly transparent.

Meanings

1 B2 informal

To become gradually less drunk and more clear-headed.

"After a few hours and several glasses of water, he finally began to sober down."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To become less excited, animated, or lively; to settle into a calmer, more serious mood.

"The news sobered the party down almost immediately."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Less common than 'sober up'. More likely to be heard in British English. Often used when someone moves from a highly excited or rowdy state to a quieter one, not necessarily involving alcohol.

Commonly used with

crowd party mood celebration atmosphere

Forms

Base
sober down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sobers down
he/she/it
Past simple
sobered down
yesterday
Past participle
sobered down
have + pp
-ing form
sobering down
continuous

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Synonyms

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