come down to: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come down to’ mean?
The idiom "come down to" means to ultimately be based on or determined by a particular thing or set of circumstances. It implies that the final decision or outcome is influenced by a specific factor.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "suit down to the ground" means that something is very suitable or appropriate for someone. It suggests a perfect match or fit between a person and a particular situation.
The idiom "lead up to" means to precede or prepare for something, typically an event or action. It implies a progression or sequence of events that culminate in the main event or action.
The idiom "in the final analysis" means that something is being considered or judged after all the facts or information have been examined and taken into account.
The idiom *hang upon* means to be dependent on or influenced by someone or something.
The idiom "get to the bottom of" means to investigate or find out the underlying or true cause of something, often by thorough examination or questioning.
The idiom "get down to cases" means to start discussing or dealing with the practical aspects or the main point of a situation or problem.
The idiom "get down to business" means to focus on the task or purpose at hand, and to start doing what needs to be done without wasting time.
The idiom "fall into" means to unexpectedly begin or find oneself in a particular state, situation, or condition.
The idiom "Daniel come to judgement" means a person or group is being held accountable or facing a situation where their actions and decisions are being evaluated. It is often used in legal or moral contexts.
Unraveling the Essence
The idiom "come down" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used to describe someone or something descending or moving to a lower position or level. In a literal sense, it denotes physical movement downwards. For example, one might say, "The hiker came down from the mountain after a long and tiring journey."
The idiom can also be used to convey the idea of someone's emotions or behavior becoming less intense or extreme. It suggests a decrease or calming of emotions or actions. For instance, a person might say, "Once she understood the situation, her anger came down and she was able to have a rational conversation."
Another usage of "come down" is to describe something becoming available or being offered. It implies that something is being provided or made accessible. For example, a professor might say, "The revised syllabus will come down next week, so be prepared for the changes in the course."
Addiction is a difficult and complex issue that affects many individuals and their families. It often comes down to seeking help and support to overcome the challenges associated with addiction.
The idiom "come down to us" is a related expression that suggests the passing down or transmission of something from the past to the present. It implies a connection between past events or knowledge and the present moment. For example, one might say, "The story of our ancestors has come down to us through oral tradition."
This idiom can also be used to describe the preservation of traditions, beliefs, or customs from one generation to another. It suggests the continuation or maintenance of cultural practices over time. For instance, a historian might say, "The art of pottery making has come down to us from ancient civilizations."
The idioms "come down" and "come down to us" are both versatile expressions that can be used in various contexts. Whether describing physical movement downwards, a decrease in intensity, the availability of something, the passing down of knowledge, or the preservation of traditions, these idioms add depth and nuance to the English language.
Example usage
1. In a close basketball game, the outcome often comes down to the final minutes, where every decision and play can make a difference.
2. When choosing a college to attend, it can come down to factors like location, available scholarships, and the quality of the academic programs.
3. The success of a business often comes down to effective marketing strategies, efficient operations, and a strong customer base.
More "verb" idioms
