wax down

To cover and rub a surface with wax so it shines or resists water.

• We waxed down the floor.
• She waxes down her skis before each trip.
• Have you waxed down the car yet?

How to use it: wax down something (He waxed down the wooden floor.)

Similar words: wax, polish

Common phrases: wax down something, wax something down

To make something stiff by covering it with wax or allowing wax to soak into it.

• She waxed down the thread.
• We wax down the fabric so it holds its shape.
• The maker waxed down each cord before using it.

How to use it: wax down something (Wax down the thread to stiffen it.)

Similar words: stiffen

Common phrases: wax down thread, wax down fabric

To put wax or a similar oily product on hair to keep it in place.

• He waxed down his hair.
• She waxes down stray hairs before going on stage.
• The barber waxed his moustache down neatly.

How to use it: wax down something (He waxed down his moustache before leaving.)

Similar words: slick down

Common phrases: wax down hair, wax down a moustache

To close something with wax so air and water cannot get through.

• Wax down the lid carefully.
• She waxed down each jar after filling it.
• We waxed the cover down to keep out moisture.

How to use it: wax down something (They waxed down the lids to keep water out.)

Similar words: seal

Opposites: unseal

Common phrases: wax down something, wax down a lid

To stick something in place using wax.

• Wax down this strip of paper.
• She waxed down the pictures for the page layout.
• The printer waxed each label down in its marked position.

How to use it: wax down something (The designer waxed down the paper on the board.)

Similar words: stick down, paste down

Common phrases: wax down something, wax down a sheet

To become quieter, weaker, or less noticeable little by little.

• The noise waxed down at last.
• Their excitement waxed down as the evening passed.
• The conversation waxed down until nobody spoke.

Similar words: fade, diminish, die down

Opposites: grow, increase

Common phrases: noise wax down, wax down gradually