English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word "pin down" in English

What does "pin down" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

pin down

US /pɪn daʊn/
UK /pɪn daʊn/
"pin down" picture

Phrasal Verb

1.

to understand or describe something exactly

Example:
•
It's hard to pin down the exact cause of the problem.
•
I can't quite pin down what's bothering me.
Synonym:
identifyspecifydetermineascertaindiagnose
2.

to make someone stay in a particular place or prevent them from moving

Example:
•
The police managed to pin down the suspect in the alley.
•
The heavy rain pinned us down in the cabin for hours.
Synonym:
restrainconfinetrapimmobilizehold down
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Related Word:
pinpins and needlesrolling pinbobby pinsafety pindownshut down