throttle down
C1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To make a vehicle or engine go slower by pressing less on the accelerator or fuel control.
Literal meaning: To press down on the throttle control to reduce fuel and engine power.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To reduce engine power by decreasing the throttle setting, causing a vehicle or craft to slow down.
"The pilot throttled down as the aircraft approached the runway."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
(Figurative) To reduce the intensity or pace of an activity or process.
"The company decided to throttle down its expansion plans until the economy improved."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily used in aviation, boating, motorcycling, and motorsport contexts. The opposite is 'throttle up'. Also rarely used figuratively to mean reducing the intensity of an activity. More technical than everyday.
Commonly used with
engine aircraft boat power speed pilot
Forms
Base
throttle down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
throttles down
he/she/it
Past simple
throttled down
yesterday
Past participle
throttled down
have + pp
-ing form
throttling down
continuous
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