down pat

Definition

Thoroughly practiced, rehearsed, or understood; mastered.

Etymology

Unknown, but clearly related to pat (“suitable, fitting”, adjective) and pat (adverb); possibly related to pat (“light tap”) in the sense of hitting the mark.

Example Sentences

• "to have … down pat"
• "She's got that Indian wrestlin' down pat, an' she's built for it."
• "He has the look of Bruce Lee down pat, with the same defiant expression and spare but muscled frame."