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bring down — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
bring down
reduce the level or amount of somethingcause someone in power to lose their position

Meaning 1 · most common

reduce the level or amount of something

  • bring down sth

to make something, such as a price, temperature, or amount, lower than before.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The new manager managed to bring down expenses by 15%.

A: The air conditioning bill is so high this month!
B: Maybe setting the temperature a bit higher will bring down the cost.

Common mistake

Not: They brought down the prices of 20%.

Say: They brought prices down by 20%.

Prices come down BY an amount, not 'of'.

More on “reduce the level or amount of something”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If the government wants to bring down pollution levels, they should encourage people to use public transport more often.

Tell it apart

We need to bring costs down.

  • reduce them

We need to bring the government down.

  • force it from power — different sense

Goes with

  • bring down + price/level
Practice saying this
Next meaning: cause someone in power to lose their position

Meaning 2

cause someone in power to lose their position

  • bring down sth sth

to force someone, especially a leader or government, to lose their position or power.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The scandal was enough to bring down the entire company leadership.

A: Did you hear about the protests?
B: Yeah, they might actually bring down the mayor.

Common mistake

Not: The protests brought the president down from power.

Say: The protests brought down the president. / The protests brought the president down.

'Bring down' already means remove from power — don't add 'from power'.

More on “cause someone in power to lose their position”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In some countries, public pressure can bring down a government if people are unhappy with its decisions.

Tell it apart

The scandal brought down the minister.

  • forced him from office

The cuts brought down the deficit.

  • reduced it

Goes with

  • bring down + leader/government
Practice saying this
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reduce the level or amount of somethingcause someone in power to lose their position