mow down
Related to mow down: mown
mow down
1. To trim something, usually grass or other such growth. A noun or pronoun can be used between "mow" and "down." Our yard is looking so unkempt because I haven't had time to mow down the grass in weeks. You need to mow down those sideburns, bud!
2. To knock someone or something down with great force. A noun or pronoun can be used between "mow" and "down." Their biggest defenseman mowed down our star center. The neighbor kid drives so fast down the street that I'm worried he's going to mow the kids down.
3. To harm or incapacitate a large group. A noun or pronoun can be used between "mow" and "down." A weapon like that could mow down thousands of enemy soldiers.
4. To overpower someone or something or render them ineffective. A noun or pronoun can be used between "mow" and "down." Their potent offense totally mowed down our defense.
See also: down, mow
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
mow someone or something down
to cut, knock, or shoot someone or something down. The speeding car almost mowed us down. The car mowed down the pedestrian.
See also: down, mow
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
mow down
1. Destroy in great numbers, especially in battle, as in The machine gun mowed them down as they advanced. [Late 1500s]
2. Overwhelm, as in He mowed down the opposition with his arguments. This usage, like the first, alludes to mowing, the cutting of grass with a scythe or other implement.
See also: down, mow
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
mow down
v.
1. To trim back or cut down something that grows from the ground: Unfortunately, you didn't just cut the grass—you mowed down all the potato plants. We mowed the brush down with scythes.
2. To destroy or incapacitate someone or something as if by cutting or driving into the ground: The machine gunners mowed down hundreds of enemy troops within the first ten minutes of fighting. I tried to tackle the runner, but he just mowed me down. The gang drove by with machine guns and mowed the informant down in front of his house.
3. To overwhelm someone or something: The experienced debater mowed down the opposition with persuasive arguments.
See also: down, mow
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- involve with
- involve with (someone or something)
- involved with
- arrange for
- arrange for some time
- arrange some music for
- back into
- back into (someone or something)
- add in
- angle