The idiom "shot me down" means to reject, criticize, or ruin someone or something. It comes from the literal sense of shooting something down with a weapon and has been used figuratively since the 19th century.
In short:
- It signifies refusing, denouncing, or destroying someone or something.
- It comes from the literal sense of shooting something down with a weapon.
"Shot me down" means to reject, foil, or disappoint the aspirations of someone or something. This can happen when someone refuses to accept an idea, a suggestion, a proposal, or a request from another person. It can also occur when someone exposes the flaws or weaknesses of another person's argument, claim, or theory.
The origin of the idiom "shot me down" is based on the literal sense of shooting something down with a weapon. Its symbolic meaning of rejecting or criticizing someone or something emerged in the 19th century. Such expression became more popular in the 1950s and 1960s when it was used to refer to any decisive defeat or rejection.
"Mr. Gladstone was shot down by Mr. Disraeli with an overwhelming majority."
—The Graphic, 1876
Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:
Here are some examples of how this idiom appeared in various forms of popular culture:
Here are some similar phrases for the idiom "shot me down":
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the idiom:
"Shot me down" means to reject, foil, or disappoint the aspirations of someone or something. This can happen when someone refuses to accept an idea, a suggestion, a proposal, or a request from another person.
The origin of the idiom "shot me down" is based on the literal sense of shooting something down with a weapon. Its symbolic meaning of rejecting or criticizing someone or something emerged in the 19th century. Such expression became more popular in the 1950s and 1960s when it was used to refer to any decisive defeat or rejection.
Some synonyms for "shot me down" are "rejected me," "turned me down," "shut me down," "knocked me down," "cut me down," and "shot me to pieces."
Some antonyms for "shot me down" are "accepted me," "agreed with me," "supported me," "built me up," and "lifted me up."
It depends on the context and tone of the speaker. "Shot me down" can be used playfully or humorously, such as when someone jokes about being rejected by a crush. However, it can also be used harshly or angrily, such as when someone complains about being criticized by a boss or a colleague.
No, using "shot me down" in formal writing, such as academic essays, business reports, or official letters, is not advisable. "Shot me down" is an informal and colloquial expression that may not be appropriate for professional or academic settings. Instead, you can use more formal words or phrases, such as rejected, refused, denied, disproved, discredited, or undermined.
"Shot me down" means to reject, criticize, or ruin someone or something, while "shot me up" means to inject someone or oneself with a drug, especially heroin.
You can use "shot me down" in a positive way by adding words or phrases that show resilience, optimism, or determination.
Some idioms that have similar meanings to "shot me down" are "rained on my parade," "burst my bubble," "poured cold water on something," "threw a wrench in the works," and "pulled the rug out from under someone."
French: Il/elle m'a descendu (He/she shot me down)
German: Er/sie hat mich abgeschossen (He/she shot me down)
Italian: Mi ha respinto (He/she turned me down)
The idiom "shot me down" is a common and versatile expression in various contexts and situations. It can mean to reject, criticize, or ruin someone or something.
To summarize:
