peg down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘peg down’ mean?
The idiom *peg down* means to definitively establish or fix something, often by securing it firmly. It implies a sense of certainty and stability in setting or determining a particular matter.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "set down" means to record or write something permanently or officially, often in a document or a book.
The idiom "sell down" means to reduce or decrease the number or amount of something that is being sold. It typically refers to selling stocks or shares in a company.
The idiom "ring down the curtain" means to bring an event or performance to a close, usually in a final or dramatic way.
The idiom "ride down" means to criticize, demoralize, or defeat someone or something relentlessly or continuously, often through stubborn persistence.
The idiom *rain down* means to fall or descend in large quantities or with force, often used metaphorically to describe a sudden and overwhelming occurrence or event.
The idiom "put to bed" means to complete or finish something, especially a task or project, and to make it ready for the next stage or for use. It often refers to the finalization or completion of work.
The idiom *put the hammer down* means to take decisive action or to enforce strict measures.
The idiom "put store in" means to have confidence or belief in something or someone, and to place importance or value on that person or thing.
The idiom "put store by" means to attach importance or have faith in something. It implies valuing or relying on a particular thing or belief.
The idiom "play down" means to minimize or downplay the importance or significance of something, often by making it seem less serious or less significant than it actually is.
Unraveling the Essence
Peg down is an idiom that has its roots in the physical act of securing or fastening something with a peg. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. The idiom is commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in American English, and has a figurative meaning that goes beyond the literal act of pegging something down.
The primary meaning of the idiom is to firmly establish or determine something. When someone pegs something down, they are effectively pinning it down, leaving no room for ambiguity or uncertainty.
For example, one might say "I finally managed to peg down the exact date of the meeting" to indicate that they have successfully determined the precise date of the meeting, leaving no room for confusion or misunderstandings.
Additionally, the idiom can also convey a sense of control or dominance. In this context, peg down can be used to describe the act of exerting influence or authority, firmly establishing one's position or control over someone or something.
Furthermore, peg down can also be used to describe the act of limiting or constraining someone or something, often with a negative connotation. It implies the imposition of restrictions or boundaries, effectively confining an individual or their actions within certain parameters.
It is worth noting that the idiom peg down is not widely used in formal or academic writing. Its informal nature and figurative meaning make it more suitable for casual conversations or less formal contexts. However, it remains a popular idiom in American English and can be found in various forms of media.
Related idioms to peg down include "nail down," "pin down," and "set down." Each of these idioms has its own unique meaning and usage.
The idiom "nail down" is similar to peg down in that it also refers to firmly establishing or determining something. When someone nails something down, they are ensuring its certainty or finality. This phrase is often used in situations where precise details or information need to be confirmed or specified.
The idiom "pin down" shares the same sense of definitiveness and precision as peg down. When someone pins something down, they are fixing or securing it, removing any doubt or uncertainty. This phrase is commonly used when discussing plans, schedules, or locating specific information.
As for the idiom "set down," it also conveys a sense of establishing or determining something, but with the added element of documenting or recording it. When someone sets something down, they are making it official or authoritative, often in written form. This phrase is often used in legal or formal contexts, indicating the formalization of an agreement, rule, or regulation.
The idiom peg down, along with its related idioms "nail down," "pin down," and "set down," all share a common theme of firmly establishing or determining something. Each of these idioms adds color and nuance to the English language, allowing for clearer communication and expression of certainty, authority, and dominance.
Example usage
1. She was trying to peg down the source of the strange noise in her backyard.
2. The company was struggling to peg down the exact date for the product launch.
3. The researchers were able to peg down the cause of the disease outbreak to contaminated water.
More "Secure" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
