settle down



settle down

 
1. to calm down. Now, children, it's time to settle down and start class. If you don't settle down, I'll send you all home.
2. to settle into a stable way of life; to get married and settle into a stable way of life. Tom, don't you think it's about time you settled down and stopped all of this running around? Bill and Ann decided to settle down and start a family.
See also: down, settle

settle down

to accept responsibilities and behave in a more regular way than you have in the past Larry met his wife in San Antonio, where they have settled down and started a family.
See also: down, settle

settle (somebody) down

to get someone to behave more calmly He was so upset that one of his brothers had to settle him down.
Usage notes: often used as an order: OK, class, settle down.
See also: down, settle

settle down

1. Begin living a stable, orderly life; also, marry. For example, After traveling all over the world for years, he decided to settle down in his home town , or Her parents wished she would settle down and raise a family. [Early 1600s]
2. Become calm, less nervous, or less restless, as in Come on, children, it's time to settle down. [Mid-1800s]
3. Apply oneself seriously, as in If you don't settle down to your homework, you'll never get it done. [First half of 1800s]
See also: down, settle

settle down

v.
1. To begin living a stable and orderly life: She got a nine-to-five job and settled down in the suburbs. I've finally settled down with my sweetheart.
2. To become calm or composed: Hours passed before the children finally settled down. I'll have more free time once things settle down at the office. We made some popcorn and settled down to watch the movie.
See also: down, settle

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Simoni-Georgian
Evgeniayev-GYE-nee-yah (Russian), eev-GYE-nee-yah (Russian)Greek, Russian, Bulgarian
Ady['eidi]
Margalit-Hebrew
Izotz-Basque
Jung-Sookjung-sookKorean