Differences between climb down and keep down
Climb down means to descend from a height or to abandon a position or opinion, while keep down means to prevent something from rising or to stay low.
Meanings and Definitions: climb down vs keep 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.
Keep down
- 1Not vomit.
The food was so horrible that I struggled to KEEP it DOWN.
Usage Examples: climb down, keep 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.
keep down
Example
I hope I can keep down this medicine; it tastes terrible.
Example
She keeps down her lunch even though she feels nauseous.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Climb down
To retract or reverse a previous statement or position.
Example
After realizing his mistake, he had to backpedal and apologize for his comments.
To withdraw or take back a statement or promise.
Example
He had to retract his statement after realizing it was based on false information.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep down
suppress
To prevent or restrain something from being expressed or revealed.
Example
She tried to suppress her anger and remain calm during the meeting.
To manage or regulate something to prevent it from getting out of hand.
Example
He had to control his breathing and stay calm during the stressful situation.
To reduce or decrease something in level or intensity.
Example
They had to lower their voices to avoid disturbing the neighbors.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “keep”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in climb down vs keep down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: climb down or keep down?
In daily conversation, people use keep down more often than climb down. This is because keep down is used for more common situations such as controlling noise or suppressing emotions. Climb down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about someone changing their mind or giving up on an idea. So, while both phrases are used, keep down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of climb down and keep down
Climb down and keep 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 keep down
The tone of climb down and keep down can differ based on context. Climb down often carries a negative or critical tone when related to changing one's mind or abandoning a position, while keep down typically has a practical and neutral tone, especially when referring to controlling something or staying low.
climb down & keep down: Synonyms and Antonyms
Climb down
Synonyms
- retreat
- concede
- yield
- capitulate
- surrender
- back down
- admit defeat
- give in