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Phrasal verbs "pin down" vs "smash down"

Differences between pin down and smash down

Pin down means to determine or identify something precisely, while smash down means to forcefully break or destroy something.

Meanings and Definitions: pin down vs smash down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pin down

  • 1Get a fixed idea, opinion, etc, from someone..

    I've asked him to set a date, but he's a hard man to PIN DOWN and won't give a definite answer.

  • 2Discover exact details about something.

    The government can't PIN DOWN where the leak came from.

Smash down

  • 1Demolish or break something down.

    The police SMASHED the door DOWN DOWN to get into the house.

Usage Examples: pin down, smash down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pin down

Example

It's difficult to pin down the exact cause of the problem.

Example

She pins down the details of the project before starting.

smash down

Example

The workers will smash down the old building to make way for the new one.

Example

He smashes down the old fence to replace it with a new one.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pin down

nail down

To determine or finalize something with precision or accuracy.

Example

We need to nail down the details of the project before we can move forward.

zero in on

To focus or concentrate on something specific.

Example

The detective was able to zero in on the suspect's location using GPS tracking.

get to the bottom of

To investigate or discover the underlying cause or truth of something.

Example

The journalist was determined to get to the bottom of the corruption scandal and expose the truth.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Smash down

break apart

To separate or divide something into smaller pieces.

Example

The demolition crew used explosives to break apart the old building.

knock down

To cause something to fall or collapse by hitting it with force.

Example

The strong winds were able to knock down several trees in the park.

crush into pieces

To completely destroy or shatter something into small fragments.

Example

The car was so badly damaged in the accident that it was crushed into pieces.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pin”

Phrasal Verbs with “smash”

Differences in pin down vs smash down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pin down or smash down?

In daily conversation, people use pin down more often than smash down. This is because pin down is used in a variety of contexts such as interviews, meetings, and discussions. Smash down is less common and is mainly used when referring to physical destruction.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pin down and smash down

Pin down and smash down are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. However, pin down can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts. Smash down is not appropriate for formal settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pin down and smash down

The tone of pin down and smash down can differ based on context. Pin down often carries a determined or focused tone when related to identifying or determining something, while smash down typically has an aggressive and forceful tone, especially when referring to breaking objects.

pin down & smash down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Smash down

Synonyms

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