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strip down

B2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To take apart a machine completely, or to take off most of your clothes.

Literal meaning: To strip (remove) everything downward to the base level.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To dismantle a machine or object completely, usually for maintenance, repair, or inspection.

"He stripped down the engine completely and rebuilt it from scratch."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral

To remove most or all of one's clothing.

"The doctor asked him to strip down to his waist for the examination."

3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To reduce something to its most fundamental or essential form.

"We need to strip down our business model and focus on what really works."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

In mechanical contexts, 'strip down' means a thorough disassembly for cleaning or repair. For clothing, it often implies removing clothes completely or to underwear, typically in a medical or practical context. Can also mean simplifying something to essentials.

Commonly used with

engine machine weapon rifle car essentials

Forms

Base
strip down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
strips down
he/she/it
Past simple
striped down
yesterday
Past participle
striped down
have + pp
-ing form
striping down
continuous

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Synonyms

dismantle take apart disassemble undress reduce to basics

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