student asking question

What does the expression “drink someone down” mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

This is not a commonly used expression and is specific to the lyrics themselves. Billie Eilish says that she is "drinkin' you down," meaning to "eat" or "devour" someone or something. She has likely used this expression to show the darker side of her personality which has the intention to hurt her, as the song is written from the perspective of the "monster under her bed." The lyrics in this verse hint at suicide and self-harm, which is why she has used words like "drink" and "drown." You shouldn't understand "drink you down" as being literal, it is most appropriate to understand this expression in the context of this song.

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