What are the definitions of “climb down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “climb down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb climb down is to accept that you are wrong and change your position, especially in a situation where you have been stubborn or insistent about something. It is often used in the context of politics, negotiations, or disagreements.
What are the different verb forms of “climb down”?
| Root Verb | climb down |
| Third Person Singular Present | climbs down |
| Present Participle | climbing down |
| Simple Past | climbed down |
| Past Participle | climbed down |
Example
The politician had to climb down from his previous statements.
Example
She climbs down when she realizes she is wrong.
Example
He is climbing down from his earlier position on the issue.
Example
They climbed down after the public outcry.
Example
The company climbed down after facing backlash from customers.
What kind of phrasal verb is “climb down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“climb down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The manager climbed down after the employees protested.
Example
She climbed down when she realized her mistake.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“climb down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The manager climbed down after the employees protested.
Example
She climbed down when she realized her mistake.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “climb down”?
Good things to know
Does “climb down” have an informal or formal tone?
Climb down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as political discussions, news articles, and business negotiations.
