shoots, shot, shooting
to shoot down
phrasal verb
To criticize or disprove someone or something harshly
- 1He shot down her argument with solid evidence.
- 2The critics shot down the new movie.
When someone says something or has an idea, and another person says strong, negative things about it, making it seem wrong or not good, this means they are not accepting the idea and are saying it is bad or incorrect in a very direct way.
People often use "shoot down" in meetings when someone suggests an idea and another person quickly rejects it without much discussion.
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in the hospital waiting room
Emergency Room Debate
Donna
I suggested a new approach to handle patient intake more efficiently.
Jason
What happened next?
Donna
The head nurse shot down my idea in front of everyone.
Jason
That's tough, but don't let it discourage you from sharing your ideas.
in a waiting room
Waiting Room Critique
Emily
I suggested a new idea for the project, but my boss shot it down immediately.
David
That's frustrating. Did they give you any feedback?
Emily
Not really, just said it wouldn't work without any explanation.
David
Sometimes people are quick to dismiss new ideas without considering them.
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Similar to "to shoot down":
- 1criticize
- 2disprove