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down to earth

/daʊn tu ˈɜːrθ/
adjective phrase★Intermediate— practical and realistic◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To be practical, modest, and free from pretension or arrogance.
¶ Literal Meaning
Physically located closer to the ground rather than elevated.
Literal Breakdown
downin a lower position+to earthtoward the ground
◇ Mental Image
The mental picture of someone standing firmly on the ground rather than floating or being elevated, symbolizing stability, humility, and realism.
◈ When to Use
A celebrity visits a local community center and interacts warmly with fans, showing no signs of arrogance. A colleague solves a problem efficiently without overcomplicating it.
◉ Cultural Note
The phrase reflects a cultural value in English-speaking societies that prizes humility and practicality over ostentation. It contrasts with the idea of 'high society' or elitism.
informal

practical and realistic, not pretentious or flashy

Her down-to-earth advice helped us solve the problem without unnecessary complications.

Her practical advice was straightforward and effective.

The CEO was surprisingly down to earth, chatting with employees in the cafeteria.

The CEO was humble and approachable, not distant or arrogant.

💡

Often describes people who are modest, unpretentious, and focused on practical matters rather than status or appearances.

Collocations

stay down to earthremain humble and realistica down-to-earth personsomeone who is practical and unpretentious

Synonyms

practicalrealisticunpretentiousmodestgrounded

Antonyms

pretentiousarrogantflashysnobbish

Related Phrases

keep your feet on the groundidiom
stay practical and realistic
humbleword
having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance

💡Pro Tip

Avoid confusion with literal meaning

The phrase does not refer to physical proximity to the ground. Focus on the figurative sense of being practical and unpretentious.

⚡Gold Rule

Use for humble people or behaviors

Apply this phrase to describe someone who is modest, realistic, and not flashy, regardless of their social status.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from the literal idea of being close to the ground, symbolizing humility and practicality. It emerged in the early 20th century as a metaphor for people who are not aloof or elitist.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used to describe people, behaviors, or lifestyles. Often implies a contrast with someone who is overly ambitious, snobbish, or disconnected from reality.

Word Breakdown

down
lower in status or position
adverb
+
to earth
connected to reality or the ground
prepositional phrase
English Dictionary

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