| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
take down a notch [teɪk daʊn ə nɒtʃ] | to humble someone or reduce their arrogance |
Other meanings
- to slightly reduce intensity, enthusiasm, or tension
- to bring a situation or attitude to a calmer, less extreme level
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "take down a notch"
- The coach’s speech really took him down a notch after he bragged all week.
- Let’s take it down a notch and talk calmly.
- The manager had to take the team down a notch after their overconfidence.
- If the music is too loud, please take it down a notch.
Features of Using "take down a notch"
This idiom is often used figuratively to describe humbling someone who is too proud or to calm an overheated situation. It’s common in both casual conversation and professional settings.
Other phrasal verbs with the verb take
take off
to leave the ground and begin to fly
take away
remove something from a place or person
take up
to begin a new activity or hobby
take out
to remove something from a place
take over
to gain control of something, especially a business or responsibility
take in
to absorb or understand something
take back
to return something
take after
to resemble a family member in appearance or character
take along
to bring someone or something with you
take down
to remove something from a higher position
take aside
to move someone away from others for a private conversation
take apart
disassemble into pieces
take through
to guide someone through a process or explain something step by step
take on
to accept or undertake a task or responsibility
take to
to begin to like someone or something
take over from
to assume control or responsibility from someone else
take out on
to direct your anger or frustration toward someone or something unfairly
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb take, including its forms and usage.