Definition of pin down

The phrase "pin down" originally referred to the process of capturing or trapping a bird or insect using a pin or similar sharp object. This term evolved from the hunting and trapping practices of ancient times, where people would use pins or other implements to immobilize their prey before killing or collecting it. Over time, the metaphorical use of "pin down" spread beyond the context of hunting and trapping. It became a figure of speech to describe the act of holding someone's attention, persuading them, or preventing them from moving or leaving a place. This usage is first recorded in the mid-19th century and reflects the wider societal shift towards more communicative and persuasive forms of interaction, which value the ability to hold someone's attention or convince them of a point of view. In modern usage, "pin down" is widely recognized as a term for holding someone's attention, whether through verbal or nonverbal means, or for fixing someone's position, such as holding down a loose object or keeping someone stationary against their will. It is a versatile and commonly used expression in everyday language, reflecting the variety of meanings that have evolved from its origins in the world of hunting and trapping.