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to pin down
[phrase form: pin]
01
to secure something in place using pins or similar objects
Transitive: to pin down sth
Examples
The curtains flutter in the wind if they are n't pinned down.
She twisted her hair and pinned it down for the evening.
02
to restrict someone or something, limiting their freedom or options
Transitive: to pin down sb/sth
Examples
The bad weather conditions pinned down the team at the base camp.
The strict rules pin down creativity and innovation.
03
to clarify a particular detail or aspect after precise investigation
Transitive: to pin down a detail or aspect of a problem
Examples
We 've run multiple tests, but we still ca n't pin down the origin of the issue.
Through careful research, she pinned the inconsistencies down in his testimony.
04
to pressure someone into being clear, decisive, and specific in their actions or responses
Transitive: to pin down sb
Examples
The journalist tried to pin down the politician on the controversial issue.
During the negotiation, the other party tried to avoid committing to a price, but we were persistent in pinning them down to a specific figure.
05
to determine the exact location of someone or something
Transitive: to pin down location of someone or something
Examples
The detectives were trying to pin down the suspect's whereabouts on the night of the crime.
After hours of searching, they finally managed to pin the lost hiker down to a specific area in the forest.
06
to hold an enemy force in a specific location, making it difficult for them to move or escape by firing at them
Transitive: to pin down an enemy force
Examples
The soldiers managed to pin the enemy troops down in the forest.
The enemy forces used heavy artillery to pin down the advancing troops, preventing them from moving forward.
