How to Memorize

the opportunity was too good to turn down

Analysis

'Turn down' is a phrasal verb. If you turn somebody down it means to reject an offer or refuse a proposal for example. You can turn down a suggestion or turn down an invitation. Telling someone you have to 'turn down' a suggestion or invitation is more polite than saying you wish to refuse it. To ‘turn down’ something or someone can mean to reject or refuse a proposal or offer. When you ‘turn something down’ you refuse to accept it. To ‘turn down’ can also mean to reduce something such as heat or volume by changing the controls on a piece of equipment.  If something ‘turns down’ it means the rate or level of it decreases. Hotels often offer a 'tun down service' meaning a member of staff enters your hotel room to fold back the bed linen so that it is ready to sleep in. This is a useful phrasal verb in both social and professional contexts.

Social Examples (Basic)

1. It was difficult to leave home, but the opportunity to work in America was simply too good to turn down.
2. Peter asked Sarah to marry him, but she turned him down. She said that she wasn't ready for such a big commitment yet.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. I've been to the bank a number of times to ask for a loan, but they keep turning me down.
2. I'm afraid we have had to turn down that suggestion due to lack of funding.

Further Suggestions