slink down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slink down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a movement that is stealthy, sneaky, or done in a way that suggests shame or embarrassment. Example: "After realizing he had been caught in a lie, he decided to slink down the hallway to avoid further confrontation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

HuffPost

Vice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Discussions of the relationship between blacks and the criminal justice system in this country too often grind to a halt as people slink down into their silos and arm themselves with their best rhetorical weapons — racial bias on one side and statistics in which minorities, particularly blacks, are overrepresented as criminals on the other.

The New York Times

Sometimes, though those old feelings come back and I slink down and hide.

HuffPost

I slink down under the gaze of those "Feminine Hygiene" signs at Target, CVS and Walgreens and try to grab anything that won't make my period dysphoria worse.

Huffington Post

They never get into this car that they do not sigh with disgust and slink down in the seat a little.

Huffington Post

"I slink down a side street and mess along," he told Bottomley.

The Guardian - Books

I follow the pebble-strewn path, exchange my boots for slippers and my clothes for a yukata, slink down to the tatami mat for my green tea welcome, and prepare to go achieve harmony in the hot spring bath.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She gloated what seemed like a Chinese version of "I told you so!" and then slunk down to await the next domino.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We'd all craned to see Samer – a softly spoken computer analyst from St Louis, Missouri – slinking down in his seat as laughter erupted around the room.

Independent

— "It's all about the bosom," Bette Midler says as she slinks down in an armchair, arches her back and steadies her breasts until they are horizontal enough to balance an ashtray.

The New York Times

I slunk down in the shotgun seat and put my cigarette out in the ashtray.

Vice

We are now arriving in Boston". I slunk down in my seat and craned my neck to get a better glimpse of the snowy mass below as we began our descent.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slink down" to vividly describe a stealthy or reluctant descent, adding nuance to your writing when a simple 'go down' doesn't capture the desired tone.

Common error

Avoid using "slink down" in situations where a straightforward, neutral descent is intended. The phrase carries connotations of stealth, shame, or reluctance, so it's unsuitable for describing actions like calmly walking downstairs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slink down" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the action of "slink" with the directional particle "down". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage to describe moving downwards stealthily or reluctantly, often to avoid attention. It adds a layer of nuance to the action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

HuffPost

15%

Vice

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Slink down" is a phrasal verb that vividly describes a downward movement characterized by stealth, reluctance, or a desire to avoid attention. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "creep down" or "slide down" exist, they don't always capture the precise nuance of "slink down", which implies more than just a physical descent. It's important to consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creep down

Emphasizes a slow, cautious, and often quiet movement downward.

slide down

Focuses on a smooth, continuous movement downward, often implying a lack of effort.

sink down

Highlights a gradual descent, often associated with a feeling of resignation or weariness.

slouch down

Suggests a drooping or ungainly posture while moving downwards, implying discomfort or disinterest.

crouch down

Involves bending the knees and lowering the body, often to conceal oneself or get a better view.

huddle down

Implies drawing oneself together for warmth or protection while moving downwards.

curl up

Focuses on assuming a compact, rounded position, often for comfort or sleep, while descending.

lower oneself

A more formal way of describing the action of moving one's body downwards.

settle down

Implies finding a comfortable position while descending, often with a sense of finality.

recline

Suggests leaning back or lying down in a relaxed manner, moving to a lower position.

FAQs

What does "slink down" mean?

"Slink down" means to move downwards in a stealthy, sneaky, or shamefaced manner, often to avoid attention or detection.

How can I use "slink down" in a sentence?

Example: "Feeling embarrassed, he decided to "slink down" in his chair during the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "slink down"?

You can use alternatives like "creep down", "slide down", or "slouch down" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "slink down" formal or informal?

"Slink down" is generally considered an informal phrase. While it is grammatically correct, it's best suited for descriptive writing or casual conversation. For formal contexts, consider using "descend stealthily" or a similar phrase.