Could down be used as a transitive verb?

[Haihao]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #17 "Down to Earth", question 3

As soon as they heard the news that one of their fellow workers had been given the sack, they all downed tools.

(a) went home
(b) stopped working
(c) stopped talking
(d) worked slowly

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #17 "Down to Earth", answer 3

As soon as they heard the news that one of their fellow workers had been given the sack, they all stopped working.

Correct answer: (b) stopped working

Your answer was: correct
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Hi,

Downed tools suggests down is a verb here. Could down be used as a vt.?

haihao

[Alan]

Hi Haihao,

Yes, it can be used as a transitive verb in a limited number of instances meaning to cause to come down/make come down/put down. Apart from the use in the test sentence it can also mean drink something very quickly as in: He downed his beer in one minute. It can also be used to mean in sport to knock someone down/make someone fall to the ground. You can also take the opposite 'up' and use that as a verb as in: I can't accept that price. I would like you to up (increase) it considerably.

A
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English as a Second Language
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[Haihao]

Hi Alan,

I am fully satisfied and convinced with your excellent and considerate interpretation. I even got a bonus for the usage of 'up'! :D Thank you very much indeed.

haihao