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

1. have (something) mastered
   • She has the names of the fifty states down pat