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Phrase Meanings » be down
What does "be down" mean?
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Be depressed, in low spirits, as in During the winter months Sue's always down, but spring cheers her up. [Colloquial; mid-1800s]
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Be knowledgeable, canny, or sophisticated, as in He was really down with the new group. This usage probably originated among jazz musicians. [Slang; mid-1940s]