bring someone down

bring down

1. Literally, to bring something from a high or elevated position to a lower point. If you're going upstairs, can you bring down another dish towel for me? They won't bring down the volume when I ask nicely, so I'm calling the cops!
2. To make someone sad or worsen their mood. In this usage, a pronoun is typically used between "bring" and "down." I don't feel like going out tonight—learning that I didn't get the job really brought me down.
3. To cause the failure or defeat of someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can used between "bring" and "down." The stock market crash really brought down my small business. When people stopped having a disposable income, they were reluctant to buy my cute crafts. The rebels are determined to bring down the government. Embezzlement charges were enough to bring down the corrupt CEO.
4. To decrease the cost or expense of something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can used between "bring" and "down." I won't buy the house unless they bring down the price—I don't want my mortgage payment to be quite that high.
5. To cause an object or structure to collapse or fall apart. They think that a compromised foundation is what ultimately brought down the old house. Three people sitting on the chair at the same time brought it down in pieces.
6. To cause someone to stop feeling or experiencing the effects of a drug. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is typically used between "bring" and "down." The doctors need to know what Charlie took, so they can figure out the best way to bring him down.
See also: bring, down
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

bring someone down

1. tv. to terminate one’s own or someone else’s drug experience. (Drugs.) It took a lot to bring her down.
2. tv. to depress someone. The news really brought me down.
See also: bring, down, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • bring down
  • bringdown
  • bring up
  • make
  • make (one)
  • bring it on!
  • bring out
  • bring in
  • bring in some place
  • bring over from some place
References in periodicals archive
I even saw us bring someone down in the centre circle and prevent a counter attack the other day - when do we ever do that?
Crewe Alex opinion: Let's keep winning so they can't ignore us; Supporter STEVEN DALE gives his View from the Stands
Why do we always look to find ways to bring someone down, just because of a few of negative attributes he or she has?
Never judge a person too soon
Think of the many times we have pointed fingers to shift blame from ourselves, or made up stories to bring someone down. Think of the times we knew we were doing wrong, but went merrily on our way nonetheless, never worrying of possibly dire consequences?
Not me, Rabbi, surely?
Wilkin wouldn't be drawn on who he'd like in the third round draw - to be held this evening - but added: "I'd love to bring someone down here from the Premier League.
Wilkin targets Premier giant at the Racecourse
Wilkin wouldn't be drawn on who he'd like in the third round draw - to be held tomorrow evening - but added: "I'd love to bring someone down here from the Premier League.
BRING 'EM ON, ROARS WILKIN
"You can never bring someone down too much when they've had a real confidence boost from an experience.
AL HOPES MALONGA'S SKY HIGH
There was rarely any danger of him having to fly into a tackle or bring someone down, so abject were Spurs.
Gerrard wary of yellow peril
There is something very simple yet effective about throwing an egg to bring someone down to Earth.
Egg shelling proves the cracks are appearing, Si
Bill, there are moments in life when you wish you could bring someone down from Heaven just to spend the day with them, just one more day, one more hour even.
IN MEMORIAM
It's shameful the extent people will go to to bring someone down.
Telugu star Trisha hits out at drugs rumours
The rules of the game are that, if you're the last man and you bring someone down, you go off - simple as that.
Ten-man England U21s limp past Finland
'It's not easy these days because it seems to be an instant red card if you bring someone down as a goalkeeper,' he said.
MARGETSON'S BITTER PILL
In other cases, a parent simply won't be pleased unless they can bring someone down. This creates a slippery slope that can require expert advice.
Handling Parent Complaints
O'Leary thought the sending-off of Jonathan Woodgate was "harsh" and added: "He's a good lad, it's not in his character to maliciously bring someone down.
Football: FA Cup - Diamonds turn up trumps
Love indeed can bring out the best in a person, just as selfishness and greed can bring someone down.
Movie review: Not bad at all