come down

1. Lose wealth or position, as in After the market crashed, the Tates really came down in the world . A 1382 translation of the Bible by followers of John Wycliffe had this term: “Come down from glory, sit in thirst” (Jeremiah 48:18).

2. Become reduced in size or amount, be lowered, as in Interest rates will have to come down before the economy recovers . [Mid-1600s]

3. Be handed down by inheritance, tradition, or a higher authority. For example, This painting has come down to us from our great-grandparents , or These stories have come down through the generations , or An indictment finally came down . [c. 1400]

4. Also, go down . Happen, occur, as in What's coming down tonight? [ Slang ; 1960s]

Example Sentences

The giant “LAX” sign that’s welcomed travelers to the Los Angeles International Airport for the last 25 years is temporarily coming down to make way for major roadway projects.

From Los Angeles Times

What was billed as a battle of heavyweights might instead come down to who manages to stub their toe less.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact they weren't released along with the others in February came down to bad timing.

From BBC

“There was no video camera ... so really it comes down to one thing — do you believe, Ms. Ellis, a guard with a good record? She is a model citizen,” he told jurors.

From Los Angeles Times

The plane was reportedly on its way to Guatemala when the ruling came down, forcing immigration officials to halt the removal and turn the plane around.

From Salon