Phrasal verbs "batter down" vs "flag down"

Differences between batter down and flag down

Batter down means to break something down physically, such as a door or wall, while flag down means to signal or stop someone or something, usually by waving a flag or hand.

Meanings and Definitions: batter down vs flag down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Batter down

• 1. To forcefully break down.

  Police battered down her door and found the girl.

• 2. To break down forcefully or violently.

  Some escaped after a bouncer battered down a partition wall.

Flag down

• 1. Signal at a vehicle to get it to stop.

  The police officer FLAGGED the car DOWN because it didn't have its headlights on.

Usage Examples: batter down, flag down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

batter down

Example

The firefighters had to batter down the door to rescue the trapped family.

Example

He batters down the old fence to make room for a new one.

flag down

Example

I need to flag down a taxi to get to the airport.

Example

She flags down the bus every morning to go to work.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Batter down

knock down

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

Example

The strong winds knocked down several trees in the park.

break through

To penetrate or overcome a barrier or obstacle.

Example

After months of hard work, she finally broke through the language barrier and started speaking fluently.

smash in

To break or shatter something by hitting it with great force.

Example

The burglars smashed in the window to gain entry into the house.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Flag down

hail

To signal or call out to someone to get their attention or assistance.

Example

She hailed a passing taxi to get to the airport on time.

wave down

To signal or motion to someone to stop or come over.

Example

He waved down the waiter to order another drink.

catch someone's eye

To attract someone's attention by making eye contact or gesturing.

Example

She tried to catch the professor's eye to ask a question during the lecture.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “flag”

• flag up

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

• get down
• cut down
• load down
• burn down
• move down

Differences in batter down vs flag down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: batter down or flag down?

In daily conversation, people use flag down more often than batter down. This is because flag down is used in various situations, such as hailing a taxi or getting someone's attention. Batter down is not used as much and is mainly used in specific contexts, such as describing a scene in a movie or book.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of batter down and flag down

Batter down and flag 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 batter down and flag down

The tone of batter down and flag down can differ based on context. Batter down often carries a forceful or violent tone when related to breaking something down, while flag down typically has a friendly or urgent tone, especially when trying to get someone's attention or assistance.

batter down & flag down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Batter down

Synonyms

• smash
• demolish
• destroy
• shatter
• raze
• break down
• tear down
• knock down

Antonyms

• construct
• assemble
• raise
• repair
• restore
• reinforce
• build up
• erect

Flag down

Synonyms

• signal
• hail
• summon
• stop
• wave down

Antonyms

• ignore
• overlook
• miss
• pass by
• drive past