pin down
The phrase "pin down" can describe actions ranging from physically restraining someone to identifying something precisely or pressuring someone for a decision.
Definition
B2General
(common, informal)To determine or establish something with precision or certainty.
Example
- The exact cause of the problem is hard to pin down.
- Scientists are trying to pin down the source of the outbreak.
B2Interpersonal
(common, informal)To pressure someone into making a clear commitment or decision.
Example
- I need to pin her down to a meeting time.
- He was finally pinned down to give a definite answer.
B2Physical
(common)To physically restrain someone or something, preventing movement.
Example
- The wrestler managed to pin down his opponent.
- They had to pin down the tarp to keep it from blowing away.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pin down":
nail downtie downput a pin infasten downhold downtrack downnail itput downpress downpeg downbed downtamp downweigh downset downlock inbatten downtie uphunt downlock downtake downkeep downhold it downpull downchase downmark downpeg outstick downlock intohold inwrite downthrow downknuckle downtie inpin the tail on the donkey