filter down

1. Of a liquid, to slowly seep down through lower substrate levels. The company bottles rainwater that has filtered down through seven layers of volcanic rock, purifying it and enriching it with minerals. Once the weather warmed up after the blizzard, the huge amount of melting snow on our roof filtered down through our attic and into our bedroom. As the machine works, the coffee filters down, and the grounds become trapped in the filter.

2. By extension, of information, resources, communication, etc., to move slowly and in small amounts down to lower levels of people in an organization, population, or group. It always takes a dog's age for any important company information to filter down to me and the other interns. The government has approved a staggering $200 billion stimulus package, but some experts warn it could be years before that money filters down to individuals and smaller businesses. Gossip may filter down to you guys in other positions, but as the file clerk, I can honestly say that everything comes out in the paperwork.

filter down

To pass or spread downward from an upper level to lower levels, as through a filter: The information slowly filtered down from management to the hourly employees.