Is there something that you can do with a high level of accuracy? Perhaps you know someone who can recall most of what they see or hear? Have you or someone you know practiced something so often that you have it perfected? If so, the perfect phrase for this is “down pat”. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
When someone says the phrase “down pat” it means that something is memorized perfectly. It can also mean that something has been practiced to the point where it can be performed without mistakes. Often it is used to explain when a person has memorized a speech or song, however, it also applies to actions. For example, a band will practice a song until they have it down pat and can play it without sheet music.
When a technique or skill has been perfected, it is also considered to be “down pat”. Regardless of what is being discussed, the phrase down pat will be considered to have positive connotations. Anything that requires a level of concentration to learn or master can be said as having been learned “down pat”. Another meaning of down pat is that you know something so well that it has become second nature. A lesser used, but equally, relevant meaning is hitting the mark.
Example Usage
“James has that routine down pat, I am sure that when he goes on stage he will wow the crowd”.
“Once you have the schedule down pat, it will be easy to make it to all of your classes with time to spare”.
“I think I have the study material down pat, I am going to take a practice test just to be sure though”.
“You have the attitude and the walk of a model down pat, you might as well start looking for an agency and get signed”.
Origin
The phrase down pat originated from the singular word pat, which came into being in the 1400s. The word pat means a blow or to strike, specifically in a targeted manner. In the current world, the word pat implies a soft touch, but the original form referred to a hand weapon strike or a targeted blow. The meaning of the word pat evolved in the 1500s to mean a precisely targeted or timed blow. It was also used to describe something that was perfectly suitable or precisely timed.
Around the mid-1500s, the term “down pat” was created as an updated form of the singular “pat”. In this way, it was used to mean having completed or performed something perfectly. Other variations created around the same time period are “pat hand” which is exclusive to poker. It means a perfect hand of cards in which the player has no need to draw. Another variation, “stand pat” was used to mean that a person should maintain what they have as its form is perfect. The phrase “down pat”, which was also generated in the same time period was used to explain when something has been perfected. All forms or variations stand to infer that the subject is well learned, or perfect.
Phrases Similar to Down Pat
- By heart
- Word-perfect
- Parrot-fashion
- Word for word
- Verbatim
Phrases Opposite to Down Pat
- Counterfeit
- Invalid
- Unsure
- Inaccurate
- Uncertain
- Faulty
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is – down pat.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Down Pat
Some ways that down pat is used incorrectly are:
- I think you should get down pat if you want to avoid getting hurt.
- The team needs more practice, they have the routine down pat which shows every time they miss a step.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Down Pat
Some ways that down pat is used correctly are:
- She has that speech down pat, she must have given it at so many lectures over her tenure.
- If you practice a little bit each day, by the end of the year you will have the routine down pat.
- The best way to get it down pat is to make a habit of reciting the lines every morning after breakfast.