wind down
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle down
Meanings
Relax after activity
Why “down”? Strong feelings or energy become lower and calmer.
“I need a few minutes to wind down after work.”
“She winds down with music before bed.”
Don't confuse with
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“I need a few minutes to wind down after work.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
wind back
A contrast learners often mix up
Reverse to replay an earlier moment
wind up
A contrast learners often mix up
Conclude or settle a matter
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
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “wind down”.
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