press down on

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Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To exert a downward force or pressure upon something, typically with weight or physical effort. It implies a steady, often heavy, application of force from above.
Usage
  • This phrasal verb is used to describe the action of applying weight or pressure to something, causing it to be compressed, held in place, or forced downward.
  • It often conveys a sense of burden, oppression, or physical restraint.
  • The structure is typically: Subject + press down on + Object.
Examples
  • Verb:
    • The heavy books press down on the shelf, making it bend slightly.
    • She pressed down on the lid to seal the jar tightly.
    • A feeling of anxiety pressed down on him as he waited for the results.
Advanced Usage
  • "to press down on someone/something": Can be used figuratively to describe a psychological or emotional burden.
    • The responsibilities of his new job pressed down on him, leaving him exhausted.
    • The government's new regulations are pressing down on small businesses.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bear down on (phrasal verb): Very similar in meaning, often used interchangeably with "press down on," especially for physical force or an approaching threat.
    • The storm bore down on the coastal town.
  • Press (verb): The base verb, meaning to apply steady force or to push against.
  • Depress (verb): To push something down, often a button or lever; also means to make someone feel sad.
  • Compress (verb): To press or squeeze something so that it occupies less space.
Synonyms
  • Weigh down: To be a heavy load on; to burden.
  • Push down: To exert force in a downward direction.
  • Squash: To crush or press something so that it becomes flat, soft, or out of shape.
  • Oppress: To keep someone in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority (figurative use).
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Press on: To continue doing something with determination.
    • Despite the fatigue, they pressed on with the journey.
  • Press for: To demand something persistently or to try hard to achieve it.
    • The workers are pressing for higher wages.
Related Idioms
  • Press one's luck: To take a risk in the hope of continued success or good fortune.
    • He won a small prize but decided not to press his luck and quit the game.
  • Press into service: To make someone or something serve a purpose, especially in an emergency.
    • Every available truck was pressed into service to deliver supplies.
Verb
  1. exert a force with a heavy weight
    • The snow bore down on the roof

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