Phrase guide

pin down

verb · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To attach or secure with pins.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Pin down the tablecloth, so it doesn't blow away in the breeze.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To identify something (e.g. a decision or plan) clearly or specifically.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • Something is wrong, but I can't pin it down.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To hold the opponent back-first so both his or her shoulders touch the mat or ground.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: government, hobbies, lifestyle, martial-arts, military, politics, sports, war, wrestling

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: pin

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To corner somebody in order to get a firm answer.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • Let's try to pin him down on a price.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

define clearly

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I cannot narrow down the rules for this game

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: peg down, nail down, narrow down, narrow, specify

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: determine

Narrower terms: concretize

6

verb

Meaning 6

attach with or as if with a pin

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • pin up a picture

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: pin up

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: attach

7

verb

Meaning 7

place in a confining or embarrassing position

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He was trapped in a difficult situation

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: trap

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: confine, detain

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: inmovilizar — to hold the opponent back-first so both his or her shoulders touch the mat or ground
  • Spanish: atrapar — to hold the opponent back-first so both his or her shoulders touch the mat or ground
  • Spanish: sujetar — to hold the opponent back-first so both his or her shoulders touch the mat or ground
  • Spanish: subjectar (desus.) — to hold the opponent back-first so both his or her shoulders touch the mat or ground