# drop the writ

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/drop-the-writ
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To call a federal or provincial election.

## Examples

- The prime minister will drop the writ tomorrow.
- The government decides to drop the writ this morning.
- Does the leader drop the writ before the holiday?
- Political analysts expect the government to drop the writ soon, triggering a month of intense campaigning.
- The premier plans to drop the writ early to take advantage of his party's high popularity in the recent polls.
- Local businesses often see an increase in advertising revenue as soon as the leaders drop the writ for a new election.
- After the scandal broke, the opposition demanded that the prime minister drop the writ and let the people vote.
- Following months of speculation regarding the administration's stability, the governor finally decided to drop the writ, officially commencing the race for the next legislative term.

## Origin

The phrase is a compression of draw up the writ. It denotes the writ of election issued by the Governor to initiate a parliamentary election, an administrative necessity that serves as the official catalyst for the voting process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.