Commonly confused
Wind up vs Wind down
“Wind up” and “Wind down” look alike but pull in different directions. Here is what each one means, with examples — and the difference that learners most often miss.
The key difference
Wind up means conclude or settle a matter. Wind down means relax after activity.
wind up
- 1
Conclude or settle a matter
“They wound up the company last year.”
wind down
- 1
Relax after activity
“I need a few minutes to wind down after work.”
Stop mixing them up
Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.