Meaning
To become less excited, agitated, or angry.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'calm down' is a common phrase but can be seen as dismissive in therapy or conflict resolution. In Japan, direct commands like 'calm down' are often avoided in favor of indirect suggestions. In the UK, 'calm down' is sometimes used with a specific accent in Liverpool to mean 'be quiet'.
Be careful!
Telling someone to 'calm down' can make them angrier. Use 'I understand you're upset' instead.
Use it for yourself
It is much safer to say 'I need to calm down' than to tell someone else to.
Meaning
To become less excited, agitated, or angry.
Be careful!
Telling someone to 'calm down' can make them angrier. Use 'I understand you're upset' instead.
Use it for yourself
It is much safer to say 'I need to calm down' than to tell someone else to.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
She needs to _____ _____ before she can talk.
The phrasal verb is 'calm down'.
Which is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
Present continuous is needed for ongoing action.
Match the synonym.
Match 'calm down' with its synonym.
Relax is the closest synonym.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I'm so mad! B: Please ____ ____.
The context is de-escalation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesShe needs to _____ _____ before she can talk.
The phrasal verb is 'calm down'.
Choose the correct sentence.
Present continuous is needed for ongoing action.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Relax is the closest synonym.
A: I'm so mad! B: Please ____ ____.
The context is de-escalation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, you can tell a dog to 'calm down'.
No, it is neutral/informal.
No, it is 'calm myself down'.
Related Phrases
Cool off
synonymTo lose anger.
Take a breather
similarTo take a short break.
Keep your cool
similarTo stay calm.
