tracks, tracked, tracking
to track down
phrasal verb
Find someone or something after a thorough search
- 1The detective managed to track down the missing person.
- 2She finally tracked down the book she needed for her research.
To track down means to search carefully until you find what you are looking for. It's like when you lose your keys and you look everywhere in your house until you find them. You track down the keys by searching thoroughly until you locate them.
Remember, to track down implies a determined effort to find something. It's not just a casual search, but a focused and thorough investigation. Keep this in mind when using the phrase in conversation.
at the police station
The Missing Wallet
Steven
Betty, I lost my wallet somewhere in the city.
Betty
Don't worry, Steven. We'll help you track down your wallet.
Steven
Thank you, Betty. I really hope we can find it soon.
Betty
Let's start by checking the places you visited today.
during a job interview
The Elusive Document
Deborah
I heard you managed to track down the missing report.
Joshua
Yes, it took a while, but I found it in the archives.
Deborah
That's impressive! We really needed that for today's meeting.
Joshua
I'm glad I could help. It's important to be thorough.
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Similar to "to track down":
- 1locate
- 2discover
- 3uncover