Question:
Choose the meaning of the idiom run down.
Choose the meaning of the idiom run down.
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Phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings depending on context.
When preparing for competitive exams, study the multiple definitions of common phrasal verbs containing verbs like run, put, look, and take.
In this question, looking for the most common figurative meaning helps identify "to criticize someone" as the correct choice.
When preparing for competitive exams, study the multiple definitions of common phrasal verbs containing verbs like run, put, look, and take.
In this question, looking for the most common figurative meaning helps identify "to criticize someone" as the correct choice.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
- To criticize someone
- To move upward
- To decorate something
- To discover a secret
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The task is to identify the correct idiomatic meaning of the phrasal verb or idiom "run down" from the provided options.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Idiomatic Definition: The phrasal verb "run down" has multiple standard meanings. One of its main figurative meanings is to criticize, disparage, or speak poorly of someone in an unfair or persistent manner.
- Other Definitions: It can also mean to lose power or stop working (like a battery), to be in poor physical condition (exhausted), or to hit someone with a vehicle.
- Analysis of Option (A) - To criticize someone: This corresponds to the common idiomatic usage where one "runs someone down" to lower their reputation. It is the correct option here.
- Analysis of Option (B) - To move upward: This is the literal opposite of the word "down" and is not an idiomatic meaning of "run down".
- Analysis of Option (C) - To decorate something: This is completely unrelated to any known definition of "run down".
- Analysis of Option (D) - To discover a secret: This might be confused with other phrasal verbs like "run to ground" or "track down", but it does not represent "run down".
- Example Sentence: "It is not professional to constantly run down your former employer during job interviews."
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct meaning of the idiom "run down" is "To criticize someone", which is represented by option (A).
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