plunk down
Definition
Verb (transitive, informal): 1. To set down or deposit something, or oneself, heavily, abruptly, or decisively, often with an accompanying sound. - It implies a deliberate, sometimes careless or forceful, action of placing something down.
Usage
This verb is used to describe the action of putting an object or oneself down in a manner that is: * Heavy or forceful: It often suggests a lack of gentleness. * Abrupt or final: It can indicate the conclusion of an action (e.g., paying for something). * Audible: The action may produce a sound (a plunk or thump).
Examples
- With an object:
- He plunked down the heavy grocery bags on the kitchen counter.
- Tired of shopping, she plunked down her credit card to pay for everything.
- With oneself (reflexive):
- After the long hike, I just plunked myself down on the nearest bench.
- He walked in and plunked down right in the middle of the sofa.
Advanced Usage / Nuances
- "Plunk down" for payment: The phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to mean paying for something, especially by putting money on a surface.
- He saw the book he wanted and plunked down twenty dollars for it.
- Conveys attitude: The manner of the action can express the subject's mood, such as exhaustion, frustration, or decisiveness.
- She plunked down the report on his desk, clearly annoyed. (expresses frustration)
Variants and Related Words
- Plank down: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- Plunk (verb): Can be used similarly, though "plunk down" is more specific to the act of setting down.
- Flump (down): Similar in meaning, emphasizing a clumsy, heavy fall into a seat.
- Plop (down): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
Synonyms
- Set down
- Put down
- Deposit
- Drop (implies less control)
- Slap down (more aggressive)
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
- Plunk down [money] for [something]: An idiomatic construction meaning to pay for something.
- Are you really going to plunk down a thousand dollars for a new phone?
Verb
-
set (something or oneself) down with or as if with a noise
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He planked the money on the table
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He planked himself into the sofa
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