# shoot down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shoot-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to reject an idea or suggestion quickly and completely. You use this when someone says "no" to your plan immediately.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They shot down to my proposal." but "They shot down my proposal." — The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.