Broken-down for Dummies

Broken-down is an interesting word, my friend. It can have a few different meanings, so let's dive right in and explore them, shall we? First, the most common meaning of "broken-down" is when something is no longer in good working condition. Imagine if your bicycle had a flat tire, a rusty chain, and the brakes stopped working. Well, in that case, your bike could be considered broken-down. It's not able to function properly anymore. Similarly, if a car's engine stops working or a computer crashes and won't turn on, we say they are broken-down too.

Another meaning of "broken-down" is when a person feels tired, worn out, or exhausted. Imagine if you played outside all day under the hot sun, ran around, and had so much fun but also got really tired. Well, in that situation, you would feel broken-down because your body needs rest to recharge and be ready to play again. Oh, and have you ever seen an old building or house that has been abandoned for a long time and looks all dilapidated? We say it is broken-down too because it's not in good shape anymore - it is falling apart.

So, to sum it all up, "broken-down" means something that is no longer working properly, whether it's a machine, a vehicle, or even a building. It can also be used to describe a person who is really tired or worn out from physical exertion. It's kind of like when we're feeling really tired after a long day of fun and need a good rest to recharge our energy. Just like our bodies, things can break-down too and need some attention or fixing.