🗣️ shoot down an idea
The Mental Picture
Connected to Conflict & Strategy. Picture an anti-aircraft missile hitting a flying target in the sky, bringing it crashing to the ground before it can reach its destination.
🎧 How Fluent Speakers Use It
- "I proposed a new schedule during the meeting, but the manager shot it down immediately."
- "Don't shoot down her suggestion before you've even listened to the full details."
⚖️ Sound Natural
| ❌ Stilted / Direct L1 Translation | ✅ Natural Target Expression |
|---|---|
| "He rejected my proposal very quickly with strong words." | "He shot down my idea instantly." |
🧩 Quick Self-Test
Test Yourself
What is the difference between "disagreeing with an idea" and "shooting down an idea"?
Show Answer
Disagreeing means expressing a different opinion. Shooting down implies a swift, decisive, and complete rejection before the idea even gets a chance to launch!