mow down
The phrase "mow down" can describe actions ranging from cutting vegetation to violent destruction, and even overwhelming opponents in a competition.
Definition
A2Gardening
(common)To cut down grass or other vegetation using a machine or tool.
Example
- He used a lawnmower to mow down the overgrown grass in the backyard.
B2Military
(violent, common)To kill or destroy a large number of people or things rapidly and indiscriminately.
Example
- The soldiers were ordered to mow down the enemy troops with machine guns.
B2Sports
(informal, competitive)To defeat or overwhelm someone or something decisively.
Example
- The team managed to mow down their opponents in the final match.
B2Accidents
(common)To accidentally hit and knock down someone or something.
Example
- The car swerved and mowed down several traffic cones.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "mow down":
chop downshoot downgun downcut downknock downplough throughrun overplough intostrike downrun downblow downwipe outburn downknock overbeat downgrind downkill offcharge downtear downsmash downput downmake short work ofblaze downmake quick work oftake downbring down onsweep away