# shoot down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shoot-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To criticize (a request) to the point of preclusion.

## Examples

- My boss shot down my idea for the new project.
- I spent hours preparing the proposal, but the committee shot it down immediately without any discussion.
- Despite the team's careful preparation, the board of directors summarily shot down the expansion plan due to concerns about long-term financial stability.

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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.