How Do You Spell PELT DOWN?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛlt dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

The word "pelt down" is often confused with "melt down", but it has a different meaning altogether. It means to pelt someone or something with something else, such as rain or snow. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /pɛlt daʊn/, with the "e" representing the short "e" sound, the "a" representing the short "a" sound, and the "ou" representing the "ow" diphthong. So, when you hear the phrase "it's pelting down outside", you know that it is raining heavily.

PELT DOWN Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "pelt down" is an idiomatic expression in English used to depict the act of raining heavily or intensely. It refers to a situation where raindrops fall with remarkable force and rapidity, almost resembling the pelting or bombardment of something with small, fast-moving objects. It describes a downpour that is considerably heavier than average rainfall, giving the impression of a relentless assault or attack from above.

   When it is said that rain is "pelting down," it means that the raindrops are falling with such intensity that they may produce a distinct sound when they hit surfaces like rooftops, windows, or the ground. This expression often conveys a sense of urgency, highlighting the ferocity and tumult generated by the heavy rain. Additionally, "pelt down" may connote a sudden or unexpected onset of intense rainfall, catching people off guard and prompting them to seek shelter or protection from the deluge.

   The phrase can be utilized in informal conversations and informal writing when one wishes to vividly convey the notion of torrential rain. It gives an expressive understanding of the extreme nature of a downpour, allowing individuals to paint a vivid mental picture of the heavy, forceful rain that is occurring.

Etymology of PELT DOWN

The expression "pelt down" has its roots in Middle English.

The noun "pelt" originally referred to the skin or hide of an animal, particularly that of a mammal. It derived from the Old French word "pel", which had the same meaning. This Old French word itself can be traced back to the Late Latin term "pēlus", meaning a "skin" or "hide".

The verb "pelt" emerged in the 16th century, derived from the noun "pelt". Initially, it meant to remove or strip off the skin or fur from an animal. Over time, the verb took on additional meanings such as striking or beating someone or something repeatedly, often with objects or projectiles.

The phrase "pelt down" developed as a figurative extension of the verb "pelt".

Idioms with the word PELT DOWN

• pelt down (on sm or sth) To pelt down on someone or something means to rain heavily or to shower or bombard with something (such as criticism, questions, etc.) rapidly and forcefully.