Phrasal verb
shoot down
Definition
phrasal verb. to reject an idea or suggestion quickly and completely. You use this when someone says "no" to your plan immediately.
phrasal verb. to dismiss a proposal, argument, or idea abruptly and decisively. This transitive verb is optionally separable, allowing the object to sit between the verb and the particle.
Examples
“My manager often shoots down my suggestions for new projects.”
“I want to suggest a weekend trip, but I know my partner will shoot down the idea because we need to save money.”
“The lead researcher's hypothesis was shot down during the peer-review process after several colleagues pointed out significant flaws in the experimental methodology.”
Examples
simple
“My manager often shoots down my suggestions for new projects.”
contextual
“I want to suggest a weekend trip, but I know my partner will shoot down the idea because we need to save money.”
complex
“The lead researcher's hypothesis was shot down during the peer-review process after several colleagues pointed out significant flaws in the experimental methodology.”
Usage
Usually takes an abstract noun like 'idea', 'proposal', or 'suggestion' as its object.
Teaching tip
Contrast the literal sense of hitting an aircraft with the figurative sense of rejecting an idea to show how the 'down' particle implies a total loss of power.
Pitfall
They shot down to my proposal.
They shot down my proposal.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
shoot (+ object) + down (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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