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pin down

phrasal verb

Formspins down, pinning down, pinned down

4 meanings of pin down

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  1. 1
    identify exactlyphrasal verbidiomatictransitive
    To work out or say exactly what something is, like a plan or a problem.

    I know that song, but I can't pin down where I heard it.

    Let's pin down a plan for Saturday before everyone goes home.

    Similarpinpoint, identify, determine, establish, fix

    Note
  2. 2
    force an answerphrasal verbidiomatictransitive
    To keep pushing someone until they give you a clear, firm answer.

    I tried to pin my friends down on a time to meet, but nobody would give a clear answer.

    Mom finally pinned Dad down on which weekend we would go camping.

    Similarpress, corner

    Note
  3. 3
    wrestlingphrasal verbtransitive
    In wrestling, to hold someone flat on their back with both shoulders on the mat or ground.

    At practice, the coach showed us how to pin someone down on the mat.

    She pinned her opponent down, and the referee ended the match.

    Note
  4. 4
    fastenphrasal verbtransitive
    To use pins to attach something or hold it firmly in place.

    Help me pin down the corners of this poster so they stop curling up.

    Grandma pinned down the edges of the quilt so it would stay flat while she sewed.

    Similarfasten, secure, tack, fix

    Note

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