run something down—
1. lower smth. such as a flag:
- A few of us created a big diversionary distraction near the main entrance while two other guys snuck out and ran down the flag.
2. speak of smth. in a disparaging or critical manner:
- You always run my proposals down. You find every reason in the world not to support them.
3. find smth. after searching:
- We now have access to this photograph. Bob ran it down in a West Point yearbook.
run something up—
1. raise smth. such as a flag:
- Just as the ship came within cannon range, the British ship ran up the flag of the United States.
2. (of a debt) cause to grow quickly:
- My wife had a joint account with her previous husband; before he left her he ran up a huge overdraft.
3. make smth. such as clothing, etc. quickly:
- The sailors ran up a rough shelter and then searched for food and water.