Differences between shoot down and turn down
Shoot down usually means to reject an idea or proposal, often in a harsh or critical way. Turn down generally means to refuse an offer or request, usually in a polite or gentle way.
Meanings and Definitions: shoot down vs turn down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Shoot down
- 1To reject or defeat something decisively.
Each proposal was shot down in flames.
- 2To cause something to fall by shooting at it.
The airliner was shot down by mistake.
Turn down
- 1Reduce volume, temperature, etc..
The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.
- 2Reject an offer, invitation, etc..
They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.
- 3Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep.
The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower petals on it while we was having dinner.
Usage Examples: shoot down, turn down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
shoot down
Example
She tried to shoot down his argument during the debate.
Example
He always shoots down any new ideas during meetings.
turn down
Example
Please turn down the music; it's too loud.
Example
She always turns down the heat before going to bed.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shoot down
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn down
decline
To politely refuse an offer or invitation.
Example
She had to decline the job offer because it didn't match her career goals.
To refuse or dismiss an offer or proposal.
Example
The publisher rejected his manuscript because it didn't fit their publishing criteria.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “shoot”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in shoot down vs turn down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: shoot down or turn down?
In daily conversation, people use turn down more often than shoot down. This is because turn down is used for a wider range of situations such as declining invitations, job offers, or requests. Shoot down is less common and is mainly used when someone wants to express strong disagreement or criticism towards an idea or proposal.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shoot down and turn down
Shoot down and turn down are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, turn down can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts to convey a polite tone when refusing an offer or request.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of shoot down and turn down
The tone of shoot down and turn down can differ based on context. Shoot down often carries a negative or critical tone when rejecting an idea or proposal, while turn down typically has a neutral or polite tone, especially when refusing an offer or request.
