slick down
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive) To make something, especially hair, lie flat and appear smooth and glossy by applying a liquid or substance.
Usage
This verb describes the action of using a product like gel, oil, or water to flatten and give a shiny appearance to hair, making it look neat and controlled. It is often used in the context of grooming.
Examples
- He slicked down his hair with gel before the interview.
- The barber slicked down the customer's hair with pomade.
- She tried to slick down her flyaway hairs with a little water.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe making something appear orderly or presentable, though this is less common.
- The politician tried to slick down his public image after the scandal.
Variants and Related Words
- Slick (verb): The base form, meaning to make smooth, glossy, or sleek.
- He slicked his hair back.
- Slicked-back (adjective): Describes hair styled in this manner.
- He has a slicked-back hairstyle.
Synonyms
- Smooth down
- Flatten
- Plaster down
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Slick back: A very similar phrasal verb, often implying the hair is directed backward from the forehead, not just flattened.
- He prefers to slick his hair back, not just slick it down.
Related Idioms
- (As) slick as grease: An idiom meaning very smooth or slippery, which shares the root word but is not directly related to the grooming action.
Verb
- give a smooth and glossy appearance
- slick one's hair