have down
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive) To have learned, memorized, or mastered something thoroughly and completely. It implies a level of proficiency where the information or skill can be recalled or performed accurately and reliably.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe a state of complete knowledge or mastery over a subject, fact, or skill. It is often used in informal and conversational contexts.
Examples
- She has all the chemical elements down.
- Before the presentation, make sure you have the key figures down.
- He practiced for weeks and now has the guitar solo down.
Advanced Usage
- "have down pat": This is a common, emphatic variant meaning to have something mastered perfectly or to know it by heart. It strengthens the meaning of "have down."
- I've practiced my speech so many times, I have it down pat.
- The verb "have" is often conjugated ("has," "had") while "down" remains unchanged.
Variants and Related Words
- Know by heart: To have memorized something perfectly.
- Master (v): To acquire complete knowledge or skill in.
- Memorize (v): To commit something to memory.
Synonyms
- Know cold
- Have memorized
- Be proficient in
- Have mastered
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Get down: To learn or master something (focuses on the process of achieving mastery).
- I need to get these formulas down before the test.
- Write down: To record information on paper (different meaning, but shares the particle "down").
- Please write down the instructions.
Related Idioms
- Down pat: (As part of the phrase "have down pat") Meaning perfectly mastered or memorized.
- After ten rehearsals, the dance routine was down pat.
Verb
- have (something) mastered
- She has the names of the fifty states down pat