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Translation

dress down

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Explanation of "Dress Down"

Definition:
The phrase "dress down" has two main meanings in English.

Usage Instructions:

  • When to use the first meaning: Use "dress down" when talking about clothing, especially in a work or social context where there is a change from formal to informal attire.

    • Example: "On casual Fridays, we are allowed to dress down."

  • When to use the second meaning: Use "dress down" when discussing situations where someone is being scolded or criticized.

    • Example: "The teacher dressed down the student for not completing his homework."
Examples:

  1. Informal Dressing:

    • "Every Friday, the office has a dress down policy, so everyone can wear jeans and t-shirts."

  2. Reprimanding:

    • "The manager dressed down the employee for being late to the meeting."
Advanced Usage:

  • In more formal writing or speeches, you might say, "The supervisor admonished the team for the oversight," instead of "dressed down," which is less formal.

  • You could also say, "The parent reprimanded the child," which is another way of expressing the second meaning of "dress down."

Word Variants:
  • Dressed down (past tense): "She dressed down her assistant yesterday."
  • Dressing down (present participle): "He is dressing down the team for their poor performance."
Different Meanings:
  • Dressing down (noun): This can also refer to a severe scolding. For instance, "He received a dressing down from his boss."
Synonyms:

  • For informal dressing:

    • "Dress casually"
    • "Underdress"

  • For reprimanding:

    • "Scold"
    • "Admonish"
    • "Reprimand"
    • "Berate"
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

  • "Dress up": The opposite of "dress down," meaning to wear formal or fancy clothing.

    • Example: "We need to dress up for the wedding."

  • "Dress to impress": To wear clothing that is intended to make a good impression.

    • Example: "Make sure to dress to impress for the job interview."
Summary:

"Dress down" is a versatile phrase in English with two primary meanings: dressing informally or scolding someone.

Verb
  1. dress informally and casually
    • On Fridays, employees can underdress
  2. censure severely or angrily
    • The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car
    • The deputy ragged the Prime Minister
    • The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup

Synonyms

Antonyms

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