settle down
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle down
Meanings
Become quiet and stable
Why “down”? Strong feelings or energy become lower and calmer.
“The kids finally settled down for the night.”
“The crowd settled down after the announcement.”
Don't confuse with
Settle down means become quiet and stable. Settle up means pay what is owed, often after a meal.
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“The kids finally settled down for the night.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
settle up
A contrast learners often mix up
Pay what is owed, often after a meal
calm down
Same down pattern: calming
Become or make less excited or angry
come down
Same down pattern: calming
Drop from a high level it has been at; Move to a lower level, price or position; 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
cool down
Same down pattern: calming
Become or make less hot; Become calmer after anger or excitement; Do gentle exercise after a hard workout
die down
Same down pattern: calming
Feelings or excitement gradually become calmer; Become less strong, loud or active
get down
Same down pattern: calming
Descend or lower yourself; Depress someone emotionally; Manage to swallow food; Capture in writing or recording; Swallow food or drink, especially with difficulty; Begin to focus seriously on a task
quiet down
Same down pattern: calming
Become silent or peaceful
simmer down
Same down pattern: calming
Calm down from anger
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