Meaning trap
close down
end discussion
To bring a discussion, debate, or line of questioning to an abrupt or decisive end, often to prevent further argument or scrutiny.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To bring a discussion, debate, or line of questioning to an abrupt or decisive end, often to prevent further argument or scrutiny.
'close down' also has the more basic meaning 'stop operating (business, shop, etc.)'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The chairperson closed down the heated debate before it could escalate further.debate
- In some meetings, leaders may close down criticism too quickly, which can stifle genuine discussion and innovation.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: close down (discussion/argument/criticism/line of questioning)
WrongEvery time I raised it, he closed down it.
RightEvery time I raised it, he closed it down.
With a pronoun object, put it in the middle — 'closed it down', not 'closed down it'.
Patternclose down (discussion/argument/criticism/line of questioning)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Peremptorily curtailed further deliberation' is heavy; 'close the discussion down' is natural.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
close down + discussionthe debatethe discussionany questionsthe conversation
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense, which refers to stopping a business or organization from operating, this sense is figurative and refers to ending a discussion or debate, not a physical entity.
Related
- close down (stop operating (business, shop, etc.)) — 'close down' also has the more basic meaning 'stop operating (business, shop, etc.)'; this is the advanced sense.