trickle down

USAGE SUMMARY

"trickle down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to money or other resources gradually moving from a higher level to a lower level in an organization or society. For example, "The government's new policies are intended to help the economy by letting wealth trickle down from the wealthiest segment of society to the rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Something might trickle down.

The New York Times

The economic trickle down is there".

The New York Times

"That would trickle down to the patients".

The New York Times

But will the oil wealth trickle down?

The Economist

Trickle down is not trickling down".

The New York Times

TRICKLE DOWN TYRANNY, by Michael Savage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It's trickle-down economics".

The New Yorker

Not trickle-down economics.

Independent

Call it trickle-down tech.

The New York Times

Consider the trickle-down effect.

The New York Times

CALL it trickle-down anxiety.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic policies, use "trickle down" to critically analyze or describe the distribution of wealth and resources from top economic tiers to the broader population.

Common error

Do not use "trickle down" without clearly establishing the subject matter (e.g. wealth, benefits, information). Ensure the reader understands what is supposed to be moving from higher to lower levels.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trickle down" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used in discussions concerning the distribution of resources or effects from a higher entity to a lower one. Ludwig AI confirms its common use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trickle down" is a common verb phrase used to describe the dissemination of benefits or effects from a higher level to a lower one, frequently within economic or organizational contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is often employed critically when evaluating the effectiveness of policies designed to distribute wealth or influence. While generally neutral in register, it often carries a skeptical connotation, particularly in discussions of economic inequality. Alternative phrases such as "percolate down" or "filter down" may offer nuanced alternatives, as using "trickle down" without proper context or clear subject matter can lead to confusion. Usage is especially prevalent in news media and formal business settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trickle through

Suggests a slow and limited spread, often implying that only a small amount reaches the lower levels.

percolate down

Implies a more gradual and less forceful movement from top to bottom.

flow downwards

Suggests a smooth and continuous movement, like a liquid.

filter down

Suggests a process where something is refined or purified as it spreads.

cascade down

Implies a rapid and abundant flow from top to bottom.

spread downwards

A more general term for movement from a higher to a lower position.

descend gradually

Emphasizes the slow and controlled nature of the downward movement.

diffuse through

Highlights the even distribution of something as it spreads.

reach lower levels

Focuses on the destination of the effect rather than the process itself.

extend downwards

Similar to "spread downwards" but suggests a more linear movement.

FAQs

How is "trickle down" typically used in economic discussions?

In economics, "trickle down" often describes policies that aim to benefit the wealthy, assuming that these benefits will eventually spread to the rest of society.

What are some alternative phrases for "trickle down" that still convey the same meaning?

You can use phrases like "percolate down", "filter down", or "spread downwards" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "trickle down" a neutral term, or does it carry a specific connotation?

"Trickle down" often carries a critical connotation, especially in discussions about economic inequality and the effectiveness of certain economic policies.

Can "trickle down" be used in contexts other than economics?

Yes, while commonly used in economics, "trickle down" can also describe the spread of ideas, trends, or influence from a higher level (e.g. management) to a lower level (e.g. employees).