cool down
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle down
Meanings
Become or make less hot
Why “down”? A level or amount becomes lower. This can happen to prices, sound, heat, or speed.
“Maya let her tea cool down while she showed Leo what she had bought at the shopping centre cafe.”
“Let the engine cool down.”
“The soup cooled down on the table.”
“Let the bread cool down before cutting it.”
Become calmer after anger or excitement
Why “down”? Strong feelings or energy become lower and calmer.
“Give him a moment to cool down.”
“She cooled down after the meeting.”
“You both need to cool down before talking.”
Do gentle exercise after a hard workout
“Always cool down after running.”
“The players cooled down with a slow jog.”
Don't confuse with
Cool down means become or make less hot. Cool off means become less hot or heated.
Test yourself
“Maya let her tea cool down while she showed Leo what she had bought at the shopping centre cafe.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
cool off
A contrast learners often mix up
Become less hot or heated; Become calmer after being angry or excited; Become less enthusiastic or interested
bring down
Same down pattern: less
Cause something to fall or land; Make something lower in level or amount; Cause a government or leader to lose power; Make someone feel sad or depressed
calm down
Same down pattern: calming
Become or make less excited or angry
come down
Same down pattern: less
Drop from a high level it has been at; Have been passed down from earlier generations; Decide in favour of one side after consideration; Become ill with a particular illness; (of rain, snow or hail) fall
count down
Same down pattern: less
Count backwards to zero before an event
cut down
Same down pattern: less
Reduce the amount of something; Fell a tree by cutting at its base; Kill or seriously injure many people quickly
die down
Same down pattern: calming
Feelings or excitement gradually become calmer; Become less strong, loud or active
dress down
Same down pattern: less
Wear less formal clothes than usual
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