Meaning trap

bring down

reduce the level or amount of something

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

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

reduce the level or amount of something

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

bring down (cause someone in power to lose their position)

Another meaning of 'bring down' is 'cause someone in power to lose their position'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

The new manager managed to bring down expenses by 15%.daily life
If the government wants to bring down pollution levels, they should encourage people to use public transport more often.IELTS speaking

Pattern: bring down + noun

WrongThey brought down the prices of 20%.

RightThey brought prices down by 20%.

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

Patternbring down + noun

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The new policy will reduce the cost of housing significantly.

Natural The new policy should bring housing costs down.

'Bring down' is the everyday verb for lowering a price or level; 'reduce significantly' is formal.

Words that usually travel with it.

Do not confuse with 'bring up', which means to increase or mention something.

bring down (cause someone in power to lose their position) — Another meaning of 'bring down' is 'cause someone in power to lose their position'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.