turn down

Meaning

To say no to an offer, an invitation, or a request.

Examples

1. She turned down the job because the salary was too low. US UK
2. I turned their invitation down politely. US UK
3. He asked her to marry him, but she turned him down. US UK

How to use it

This verb has two common meanings: to refuse something, and to lower the volume, heat, or light (turn down the music). It can be separated: turn down an offer or turn an offer down.

Common mistake

Not: She turned up the job offer.
Say: She turned down the job offer. (Turn up means to increase, or to arrive.)