Choke down

usgb
phrasal verb

To force oneself to swallow or consume something unpleasant.

She managed to choke down the bitter medicine.
Visual representation of "choke down" - To force oneself to swallow or consume something unpleasant

Often appears as...

  • choke down food
  • choke down pills
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "choke down"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unpleasant Task

Use 'choke down' when a task like eating something unappetizing must be done.

Illustration for Unpleasant Task
Despite hating broccoli, he choked it down for his health.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Difficulty Swallowing

'Choke down' implies difficulty swallowing due to taste or texture.

Illustration for Difficulty Swallowing
The porridge was so lumpy, she could barely choke it down.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

'Choke down' can be used figuratively to mean accepting something hard to digest, like a fact.

Illustration for Figurative Use
He had to choke down the reality of his defeat.
Visual representation of the word "Choke down"

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