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settle down — 2 meanings

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

phrasal verb2 meanings
settle down
become calmstart a stable life

Meaning 1 · most common

become calm

  • settle down sth

To become quiet, relaxed, or less active, especially after being excited or upset.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

After the teacher entered the room, the students quickly settled down.

A: The kids are running everywhere!
B: Don’t worry, they’ll settle down once the movie starts.

Common mistake

Not: The kids couldn't settle down themselves.

Say: The kids couldn't settle down.

Intransitive here — no reflexive object; you don't 'settle down yourself'.

More on “become calm”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I feel stressed before an exam, I try to take deep breaths to help myself settle down.

Tell it apart

The class settled down after the bell.

  • became calm/quiet

They settled down in a small town.

  • made a permanent home

Goes with

  • settle down
Practice saying this
Next meaning: start a stable life

Meaning 2

start a stable life

  • settle down with sb/in a place

To begin living a quieter, more regular life, often by getting married, starting a family, or staying in one place.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After traveling for years, she decided it was time to settle down and buy a house.

A: Do you think you’ll ever settle down?
B: Maybe in a few years, but I’m enjoying my freedom right now.

Common mistake

Not: They want to settle down a family.

Say: They want to settle down and start a family.

'Settle down' is intransitive here — you don't 'settle down' something.

More on “start a stable life”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many people choose to settle down in their late twenties, especially when they want to focus on their careers or start a family.

Tell it apart

They settled down in a small town.

  • started a stable life

The class settled down after the bell.

  • became calm/quiet

Goes with

  • settle down + life stage
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

become calmstart a stable life