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 \u201cdown pat\u201d. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n
When someone says the phrase \u201cdown pat\u201d 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n When a technique or skill has been perfected, it is also considered to be \u201cdown pat\u201d. 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 \u201cdown pat\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n \u201cJames has that routine down pat, I am sure that when he goes on stage he will wow the crowd\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce you have the schedule down pat, it will be easy to make it to all of your classes with time to spare\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I have the study material down pat, I am going to take a practice test just to be sure though\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have the attitude and the walk of a model down pat, you might as well start looking for an agency and get signed\u201d.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Around the mid-1500s, the term \u201cdown pat\u201d was created as an updated form of the singular \u201cpat\u201d. In this way, it was used to mean having completed or performed something perfectly. Other variations created around the same time period are \u201cpat hand\u201d which is exclusive to poker. It means a perfect hand of cards in which the player has no need to draw. Another variation, \u201cstand pat\u201d was used to mean that a person should maintain what they have as its form is perfect. The phrase \u201cdown pat\u201d, 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.<\/p>\nExample Usage<\/h2>\n
Origin<\/h2>\n