slow down — become less active
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutralcommon
To do things at a more relaxed pace, or to become less busy or energetic.
Say it like a native
Textbook I intend to adopt a less hectic lifestyle.
Native I want to slow down a bit.
'Slow down' captures easing off the pace of life in two words; the formal version reads like a mission statement.
Pattern: slow down (no object)
In use
- After working so much, I realized I needed to slow down and take care of myself.work
- Many people believe that it's important to slow down and enjoy life rather than always rushing from one thing to another.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I need to slow down my life down.
✓ I need to slow down a bit.
Used alone here — don't double 'down' or add 'my life'.
Common collocations
slow down + life— a bit, as you get older, after retirement, and relax
Don't confuse it
Different from 'take a break', which means to stop for a while. 'Slow down' means to keep going, but more gently.
Related
- slow down (reduce speed) — Another meaning of 'slow down' is 'reduce speed'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.