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bring down — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 reduce the level or amount of somethingto make something, such as a price, temperature, or amount, lower than before.
  2. 2 cause someone in power to lose their positionto force someone, especially a leader or government, to lose their position or power.
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All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

reduce the level or amount of something

B1bring down sthMost common

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

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.

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

Common mistake

They brought down the prices of 20%.

They brought prices down by 20%.

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

Tell it apart

We need to bring costs down.

reduce them

We need to bring the government down.

force it from power — different sense
Use 'bring down' when you want to talk about making something less, like costs or numbers.Do not confuse with 'bring up', which means to increase or mention something.

Often paired with

bring down + price/level

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

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.

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

Common mistake

The protests brought the president down from power.

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

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

Tell it apart

The scandal brought down the minister.

forced him from office

The cuts brought down the deficit.

reduced it
Use 'bring down' when talking about ending someone's control or leadership, especially in politics or business.'Bring down' is about removing power, not just criticizing someone.

Often paired with

bring down + leader/government

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