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down to the ground

down to the ground

1 6.4
Completely right for someone or something
  • idiom
translation icon : perfectamente
  • The new policy suits our needs down to the ground, making it a great fit for the team.
  • right down to the ground

No, then Plan BI say we burn the country down to the ground for insurance money.

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Examples

  • Her calming presence and supportive attitude suited him down to the ground during challenging times.

  • The design of the software is user-friendly and suits all users down to the ground.

  • Suits you down to the ground.

  • That had suited Dean right down to the ground.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Oliver liked order in his life, and Beth suited him down to the ground, as tactful and compliant as a first-class secretary.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Barry Norman was the previous incumbent; his presenting style was understated, conversational, and suited the show down to the ground.

    Blog text (9)

Synonyms

downright
vsdown to the ground
91 3.7

To say something is complete or very strong to make a point

also includes perfect suitability for someone rather than only degree
to suit down to the ground
vsdown to the ground
  • UK
7.6

Be perfect for someone or something

is used more broadly as an adverb to mean completely or perfectly

Antonyms

354 3.7

Not right for a situation or event

20 2.6

Not right for a person, place, or purpose

How Complete

completely
1.0
down to the ground
1 6.4
mostly
1.0
partly
375 1.0
slightly
885 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

down + to + the + ground

The phrase combines the spatial sense of 'down' with 'to the ground' (as far as the earth), which conveys an extent meaning 'all the way' or 'completely'; a learner who knows the constituents can infer this 'completely' sense and map it onto 'perfectly suitable' in context. This spatial→degree compositional pattern is common across languages and follows a predictable metaphor, so it is transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Down to the ground paints a simple picture: imagine a dress that fits so well it goes down to the ground, touching the floor. So, if something suits you down to the ground, it is 'completely' or 'perfectly suitable' for you.