ride down

You catch someone by chasing them on a horse or in a vehicle.

• The guards rode down the thief.
• They rode him down before he reached the river.
• Could one rider ride down all three fugitives?

How to use it: ride someone down (The soldiers rode the fleeing messenger down.)

Similar words: catch, overtake

Common phrases: ride down someone, ride down fugitives

You make a horse fall while riding it.

• He rode his horse down.
• The rider nearly rode the mare down on the steep path.
• You could ride a tired horse down on this rough ground.

How to use it: ride a horse down (The careless rider rode his horse down on the rocky slope.)

Common phrases: ride down something, ride down horses

You use your body weight to pull a rope down, especially to raise a sail.

• The crew rode down the rope.
• He used his weight to ride the halyard down.
• Can you help us ride down this halyard?

How to use it: ride down a halyard (Two sailors rode down the halyard to raise the sail.)

Similar words: bear down on

Common phrases: ride down something, ride down halyards

You treat someone harshly and use your power to control or hurt them.

• The master rode down his servants.
• She refused to let the powerful ride her down.
• They rode down anyone who challenged their authority.

How to use it: ride someone down (The landlord rode his tenants down whenever they complained.)

Similar words: oppress, bully

Common phrases: ride down someone, ride down workers

You withstand the forces that slow you suddenly during a crash or other impact.

• The restraint helps passengers ride down impact forces.
• The dummy rode down the impact without striking the dashboard.
• A secure belt lets the body ride down sudden deceleration.

How to use it: ride down something (The harness helps the occupant ride down the crash forces.)

Similar words: withstand

Common phrases: ride down impact, ride down forces