Grammar fix
pipe down
stop making noise
To stop talking or make less noise; often used as an order: 'Pipe down!'
phrasal verb
How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The teacher told the children to pipe down while she explained the rules.
My neighbours sometimes have late parties, and I have to ask them to pipe down if I have an exam the next morning.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Can you pipe up? I'm trying to study.
Say: Can you pipe down? I'm trying to study.
'Pipe down' means be quieter; 'pipe up' means start speaking, often suddenly.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Tell someone to stop talking
How bluntNeutral instructionRude command
keep quietAsk or tell someone not to talk or make noise.
pipe downYou're here · Informally tell someone to stop making so much noise.
shut upA blunt, often rude command to stop talking.