Phrase: Take down

The verb "take" has many different phrasal verbs and "take down" is just one of them. The phrasal verb "Take down" has different meanings and uses and we will talk about the four different uses of this expression in this lesson.

Meaning 1: To separate a large structure into pieces / separate parts of something big.

Similar: take apart, dismantle, remove

Example sentences

  • "The platform was taken down for safety reasons." 
  • "Workers should be trained to take down scaffolding before being asked/allowed to do it."


Meaning 2: To write down spoken words, information or a statement.

Similar: write down, take note

Example sentences

  • "The police took down our addresses and phone numbers."
  • "I took down the address."


Meaning 3: To lower your pants or underwear without taking them off. 

Similar: pull down, take off

Example sentences

    • "The police asked the suspect to take down his pants to check for possible concealed weapons and illegal drugs."
    • "The Texas woman who had her pants pulled down in public by cops during drug search got $205k settlement."

    Meaning 4: To hit or shoot someone so that they fall down.

    Similar: Knock out, knock down, shoot

    Example sentences

    • "Hunley explains that their original meeting gave them a pretext to let Hunt's team infiltrate the CIA and take down the Syndicate without arousing suspicion." 
    • "The bodyguards were too quick to respond when the hitman attempted to take the president down."




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