shoot down
The phrase "shoot down" can be used both literally to describe causing something to fall by shooting and metaphorically to describe rejecting ideas or proposals.
Definition
B2Military
(technical)To cause an aircraft or projectile to fall by hitting it with a weapon.
Example
- The fighter jet was able to shoot down the enemy drone.
- The pilot managed to shoot down several targets during the mission.
B2Discussion
(idiomatic, informal)To reject or dismiss an idea, proposal, or argument decisively.
Example
- The committee quickly shot down the proposal due to budget concerns.
- Her suggestion was shot down almost immediately by the team leader.
B2Criticism
(idiomatic, informal)To harshly criticize or ridicule someone's opinion or argument.
Example
- He shot down her argument with a series of well-researched facts.
- The critics shot down the new movie for its lack of originality.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shoot down":
bring downtake downgun downknock downstrike downshoot throughshoot backcut downshoot offbring down onchop downmow downput downtalk downblow downshoot a birdshot outshoot outcall downargue downthrow downcome down onblow out of the watersend downgo downcut down to sizemake downsmash downcharge downlower the boomcast downtear downkeep downburn downturn downcome downget downbeat downduck downshort downtake down a notchhail downshoot upshut downrun downslap downkill offshove downblaze downknock overback down