track down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘track down’ mean?
The idiom "track down" means to locate or find someone or something, often after a search or investigation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "shed find" means to discover or uncover something through persistent search or investigation.
The idiom "run to earth" means to track down or locate someone or something that has been hidden or elusive.
The idiom "pin down" means to force someone to make a clear statement or commitment about something, or to accurately determine or locate something.
The idiom "on track" means to be progressing or moving forward in a positive and successful way, often in relation to a plan or goal.
The idiom "make tracks" means to leave or depart from a place quickly or hastily.
The idiom "look up" means to search for information or seek clarification. It is often used when someone wants to find a specific piece of information or research a topic to gain a better understanding.
The idiom "look through" means to examine or search for something in detail, often with the intention of finding a particular item or piece of information.
The idiom "look into" means to investigate or examine something in order to gain more information or understanding about it.
The idiom "hot on the trail" means to be actively pursuing or following someone or something, usually in order to catch or find them. It conveys a sense of being close to the target and making progress in the search or investigation.
Untangling the Trail.
The idiom "track down" has various meanings and uses in everyday English. This analysis will delve into the specific details and shed light on the etymology and meaning of this idiom for a US audience.
One fact about the idiom "track down" is that it is primarily used as a phrasal verb. This means that it consists of a verb (track) and a preposition (down) that together convey a specific meaning. The predominance of phrasal verbs in English is a notable characteristic of the language.
It's interesting to note that "track down" has a literal and a figurative meaning. In its literal sense, it refers to finding or locating someone or something by following their tracks or trails. This can be seen in the origin of the phrase, which derives from the hunting practice of tracking game.
Figuratively, "track down" is used to express finding or discovering information, often with some difficulty or effort involved. It extends beyond physical locations and encompasses pursuing and uncovering elusive or hidden knowledge.
Furthermore, "track down" is a versatile idiom that can be applied in various contexts. For instance, it can be used in relation to investigations and detective work, where individuals or law enforcement agencies give chase to locate suspects or evidence. This idiomatic expression can also be used in informal settings to describe the process of chasing after or finding a particular item or person.
What adds further complexity to this idiom is its wide use in both formal and informal language. From academic papers to everyday conversations, "track down" finds its place in a multitude of scenarios. This widespread usage highlights its significance and cultural relevance in the English language.
"track down" is a dynamic idiom that adapts to various tenses and forms in English grammar. It can be used in the present, past, or future tenses, and it can also be modified to convey different meanings. For example, the phrase "track someone down" directs the action towards a specific individual, whereas "track something down" focuses on finding out a particular object or piece of information.
The idiom "track down" is a versatile and widely used expression in English. With its literal and figurative meanings, it allows speakers to convey finding or discovering someone or something, whether it be physical or abstract. Its usage spans across contexts, both formal and informal. As with any idiom, "track down" carries a depth of history and cultural relevance that makes it a unique expression, continuing to inspire speakers to uncover new meanings and uses.
Example usage
Examples:
- She managed to track down the owner of the lost dog.
- We need to track down the source of the leak in the roof.
- The detective is determined to track down the criminal and bring them to justice.
More "Locate" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
