Shoot Down

The literal meaning of shoot down is to bring something or someone down with gunfire or other weapons. This definition is especially applicable to military operations where planes are shot down during combat or other air-borne missiles are shot down. This means that something in the air is shot at and damaged or destroyed, thus causing it to no longer be able to remain airborne and thus to crash. It can also refer to hunting birds, such as ‘shooting down’ a duck. To ‘shoot someone down’ means to kill them with a gun, as often used in movie Westerns, but it also has a more figurative meaning.

Shoot Down Meaning

To shoot something down means to criticize or reject an idea, proposal, or argument; to disappoint or ruin the aspirations of someone; to defeat; to kill someone with a gun.

Usage Notes

The figurative meaning of shoot down emphasizes rejection and criticism of an idea or person. For example, a politician’s proposal might be “shot down” by other politicians during a debate. Or a writer’s manuscript might be “shot down” by publishers who are not interested in publishing it.

The idiom can also convey the sense of disappointment and failure that comes from rejection or criticism. For example, in a relationship, someone may feel “shot down” when their partner rejects their romantic advances or ideas for activities they want to do together.

Sometimes intensified as ‘shoot down in flames.’

Sentences Examples

“The candidate shot down hip opponent’s emotional arguments by citing facts and evidence.”

“If you’re going to shoot down all my ideas without even giving them any thought, I don’t know why I’m even here.”

“Did you hear that Bill finally asked Sharon out? She shot him down!”

“I wondered if you weren’t too busy, maybe one night this week. Shoot me down in flames if it’s not a good idea, but I thought we could pop along, the two of us.” — St. Trinian’s (2007)

“Your Bacon Boot company consists of you and the business cards you printed up, funded by yours truly.” “Aw, for Pete’s sake! Why are you always tryin’ to shoot me down, big brother?” — They Came Together (2014)

“She makes us all use the same words from the same list. And when I try to be original, she just shoots me down. Like when I invented the word “terrifical.” — Ramona and Beezus (2010)

“He won and they killed Robert Kennedy. They shot him down.” — JFK (1991)

“This man wanted to shoot me down over nothing!” — Wyatt Earp (1994)