Differences between climb down and go down
Climb down usually means to descend from a height or to retract a statement or position, whereas go down generally means to descend a slope or to move to a lower level or floor.
Meanings and Definitions: climb down vs go down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Climb down
- 1Accept that you are wrong and change your position.
The Prime Minister had to CLIMB DOWN over his tax proposals because there was so much opposition from the members of his own party.
Go down
- 1Decrease, get smaller.
The price of scanners has GONE DOWN recently.
- 2Sink.
The Titanic WENT DOWN after it hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage.
- 3Sunset.
The sun WENT DOWN at seven o'clock.
- 4Be sent to to prison.
He WENT DOWN for ten years for armed robbery.
- 5Become recorded as or known as.
It WENT DOWN as the worst day in the history of the company.
- 6Be eaten or swallowed.
The medicine WENT DOWN easily.
- 7Fall to the ground.
The boxer WENT DOWN in the second round.
- 8Happen, take place.
The police thought that a big crime was GOING DOWN that night.
- 9Stop working, especially computers.
The computer system WENT DOWN for an hour last night.
- 10Become dimmer.
The lights WENT DOWN and the audience stopped talking.
- 11Be received by people, in terms of their reaction.
My joke WENT DOWN very badly.
Usage Examples: climb down, go down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
climb down
Example
The politician had to climb down from his previous statements.
Example
She climbs down when she realizes she is wrong.
go down
Example
The temperature will go down tonight.
Example
The sun goes down at around 8 pm during summer.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Climb down
To move or go down from a higher level or position to a lower one.
Example
The hiker had to descend the steep mountain trail carefully to avoid slipping.
To retract or withdraw a statement or position previously taken.
Example
After realizing his mistake, he had to backpedal and apologize for his insensitive comment.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To move or go down from a higher level or position to a lower one.
Example
The elevator was broken, so they had to descend the stairs to reach the ground floor.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in climb down vs go down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: climb down or go down?
In daily conversation, people use go down more often than climb down. This is because go down is used for more routine activities such as going down stairs or descending a hill. Climb down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about physically climbing down from a height. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of climb down and go down
Climb down and go down are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of climb down and go down
The tone of climb down and go down can differ based on context. Climb down often carries a cautious or hesitant tone when related to physical movement, while go down typically has a practical and matter-of-fact tone, especially when referring to descending a slope or moving to a lower level or floor.
climb down & go down: Synonyms and Antonyms
Climb down
Synonyms
- retreat
- concede
- yield
- capitulate
- surrender
- back down
- admit defeat
- give in
