phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

settle down

to start stable life

What it means

To begin living a stable, calm life in one place, often by getting married, buying a house, or starting a family. It can also mean to become quieter or calmer after a period of activity or excitement.

Examples

  • After years of travelling, he finally decided to settle down in Spain.
  • She wants to settle down and start a family before turning thirty.
  • Children, please settle down so we can begin today's lesson.
  • Things should settle down at work once the busy season ends.

Where it comes from

Inseparable. 'Settle' comes from Old English 'setlan' meaning 'to seat' or 'to come to rest', and the 'down' adds the sense of becoming still after movement.

Related phrasal verbs

#calm down#grow up#slow down#stand by

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