bringdown

bringdown {n.}, {slang}, {informal}

1. (from "bring down", past "brought down"). A critical or cutting remark said sarcastically in order to deflate a braggard's ego.

John always utters the right bringdown when he encounters a braggard.

2. A person who depresses and saddens others by being a chronic complainer.

John is a regular bringdown.

Categories:

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

To section: B

Subscribe to: American Idioms

✉

Our RSS-channels

Show All

See as well

bring down

[bring down] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. To deflate (someone's ego). * /John brought Ted down very cleverly with his remarks./ 2. To depress (someone). * /The funeral brought me […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

bring up the rear

[bring up the rear] {v. phr.} 1. To come last in a march, parade, or procession; end a line. * /The fire truck with Santa on it brought up the […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

bring on

[bring on] {v.} To result in; cause; produce. * /The murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in the summer of 1914 brought on the First World War./ * /Spinal meningitis brought […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

polish the apple

[polish the apple] {v. phr.}, {slang} To try to make someone like you; to try to win favor by flattery. * /Mary polished the apple at work because she wanted […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

ставить палки в колёса

[ставить палки в колёса] {v. phr.} {colloquial} {literally} ~to push sticks in the wheels. Throw sand in […]

put in one's way

[put in one's way] See: [PUT IN THE WAY OF].

put to shame

[put to shame] {v. phr.} 1. To disgrace. * /The cleanliness of European cities puts our cities to shame./ * /That filthy […]

Anthony Powell

(1905-2000) English novelist Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven't committed.