Expressions used in Everyday Spoken English in Social and Professional contexts
run (somebody/something) down
run somebody downrun something down
1) criticize somebody or something harshly
- How to MemorizePopularity HighProfessional HighSocial
- stop running yourself down
- AnalysisWhen you ‘run someone down’ it can mean that you have been speaking about them in a critical or negative way. ‘Don’t run me down in front of our boss again.’ This is a phrase used in social and professional contexts.
- Social Examples (Basic)
- I wish Brian would stop running himself down all the time. He's much more capable than he gives himself credit for.
- I'm not trying to run your work down, but the quality of your output isn't what it used to be.
- Professional Examples (Basic)
- The boss was quick to run down my proposal in the meeting, and would not listen to any counter-argument.
- I really don't get on with our team leader, I feel like she runs me down all the time in front of the rest of the team.
- Further Suggestions
2) hit somebody or something with a vehicle
- How to MemorizePopularity HighProfessional HighSocial
- the man was run down crossing the road
- AnalysisTo ‘run someone down’ can mean to hit them with a vehicle, usually as a result or driving erratically. ‘My cat was found last night. He had been run down by a car.’ This is a term only used in specific circumstances to talk about car accidents.
- Social Examples (Basic)
- The drunk driver ran down and severely injured a pedestrian, before fleeing the scene.
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