To become quiet, relaxed, or less active, especially after being excited or upset.
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.
When I feel stressed before an exam, I try to take deep breaths to help myself settle down.
Common mistake
✗The kids couldn't settle down themselves.
✓The kids couldn't settle down.
Intransitive here — no reflexive object; you don't 'settle down yourself'.
Tell it apart
The class settled down after the bell.
became calm/quiet
They settled down in a small town.
made a permanent home
You can use 'settle down' when telling someone (or a group) to be less noisy or active, especially children or in a classroom.'Settle down' can mean to become calm or to start a stable life—make sure you choose the right meaning for the situation.
To begin living a quieter, more regular life, often by getting married, starting a family, or staying in one place.
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.
Many people choose to settle down in their late twenties, especially when they want to focus on their careers or start a family.
Common mistake
✗They want to settle down a family.
✓They want to settle down and start a family.
'Settle down' is intransitive here — you don't 'settle down' something.
Tell it apart
They settled down in a small town.
started a stable life
The class settled down after the bell.
became calm/quiet
You can use 'settle down' to talk about making long-term plans, like starting a family or choosing a place to live.This meaning is about life choices, not about calming down in a moment.