grind down
The phrase "grind down" can refer to both a physical action of abrasion and an emotional process of demoralization.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2Physical
(technical, general)To make a surface smooth or smaller by rubbing it with an abrasive material.
Example
- The carpenter had to grind down the edges to make the table smooth.
- Use a sander to grind down the rough patches on the wall.
C1Emotional
(idiomatic, general)To weaken someone's spirit or morale through continuous harsh treatment.
Example
- Years of constant criticism had ground him down.
- Don't let the challenges grind you down.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "grind down":
grind upwear downax to grindground outrun into the groundbeat downmake downnose to the grindstonegrinding framemow downgrinding wheelcoffee grinderbump and grindrun downbring downtamp downgo downargue down