bring down

British  

verb

1. to cause to fall

   the fighter aircraft brought the enemy down

   the ministers agreed to bring down the price of oil

2. slang (usually passive) to cause to be elated and then suddenly depressed, as from using drugs

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bring down Idioms  

1. Cause to fall, collapse, or die. For example, The pilot won a medal for bringing down enemy aircraft , or The bill's defeat was sure to bring down the party . [c. 1300]

2. Cause a punishment or judgment, as in The bomb threats brought down the public's wrath on the terrorists [Mid-1600s]

3. Reduce, lower, as in I won't buy it till they bring down the price , or He refused to bring himself down to their level . This usage may be literal, as in the first example, or figurative, as in the second. [First half of 1500s]

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Example Sentences

The potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—even if it comes with tolls—should bring down energy prices and put interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve back on the agenda.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“On the one hand, raising the policy rate to bring down inflation could weaken the economy further. On the other hand, lowering rates to support the economy could risk pushing inflation even higher.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Startups are now tweaking designs, using off-the-shelf parts and switching to automated manufacturing to bring down prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Judges are still reluctant to bring down the hammer for AI-fabrications if lawyers acknowledge their fault and “throw themselves on the mercy of the court,” Volokh says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

“You know Mom and Dad bring down most of the presents after we go to bed,” Ben answered.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy