What's "shut down" mean and when's it used?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

If something is "shut down," it means that it ceases to operate or do business. Someone or something can also cause a business or operation to "shut down". It's used when a business or operation closes permanently or for the foreseeable future. Or it's used when they're shut down by an external factor. Ex: The health department shut down the restaurant across the road. Ex: They shut down their business after four years so that they could move overseas.

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Popular Q&As

12/10

1
What's "the late" mean?
Good question! "The late" is a polite and respectful way to refer to someone who has died in the last decade or so. Ex: The king of pop, the late Micheal Jackson, was known worldwide. Ex: The late Sarah Walker was quite wise in her ways. => She did things with wisdom

2
What is the meaning of "veer"?
'Veer' means to suddenly change directions. In this context, it's used because the walking paths in duty-free section are 'suddenly' developed to the left side to make retailers take more space on the right side. Ex: I veered my car off the road.

3
"Drop [something] off" seems to be a phrasal verb. Tell me what it means and give me some examples, please!
Yes, that's right! "Drop [something/someone] off" is an informal phrasal verb that means to take something or someone to another place, often by car. Ex: I need to drop some things off at my children's school. Ex: Can you drop off my package to my house later today?

4
What kind of joke is this?
He is joking here that the person would not be perfect for him if they were actually "perfect", but if they were "co-dependent" and "self-destructive" then they would be the perfect person for him. He says this as a joke because he thinks that he is "co-dependent" and "self-destructive", so if someone else were like that too, then they would be a perfect match.

5
What does "salty" mean?
"Salty" is a slang term meaning to be upset or petty over something small. For example, when a friend beats you in a video game. Ex: He was salty because his sister ate his snacks. Ex: I was feeling salty over my argument with my sister, so I ignored her.

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