talk down
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle down
Meanings
Persuade someone in a difficult situation to calm down
Why “down”? Strong feelings or energy become lower and calmer.
“Officers talked him down from the ledge.”
“The nurse talked the patient down.”
Don't confuse with
Talk down means persuade someone in a difficult situation to calm down. Talk up means make something sound more important or impressive.
Test yourself
“Officers talked him down from the ledge.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
talk up
A contrast learners often mix up
Make something sound more important or impressive
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; 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; Capture in writing or recording; Swallow food, drink, or medicine, especially with difficulty; Begin to focus seriously on a task
quiet down
Same down pattern: calming
Become silent or peaceful
settle down
Same down pattern: calming
Become quiet and stable; Begin a stable home or family life
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