Cool MateDrop the gun vs Put the gun down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Drop the gun
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Put the gun down
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Put the gun downMost common: Put the gun down
| Drop the gun | Put the gun down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //drɒp ðə ɡʌn//🇺🇸 //drɑp ðə ɡʌn// | 🇬🇧 //pʊt ðə ɡʌn daʊn//🇺🇸 //pʊt ðə ɡʌn daʊn// |
| Meaning | To stop using a gun or drop an argument. | Stop holding the gun and place it on a surface. |
| Example | He was told to drop the gun before anyone got hurt. | The officer yelled, 'Put the gun down!' to the robber. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | drop the gun now, just drop the gun, please drop the gun | put down the weapon, put down your arms, put down the firearm |
| Common mistakes | Literal interpretation of 'drop the gun' instead of understanding the idiomatic use., Confusing it with phrases that mean to give up or surrender., Using it in formal contexts where a more serious tone is needed. | Using 'put' without specifying an object., Confusing with 'put down' which can mean to criticize., Incorrectly using 'down' in a different position in the sentence. |
| Usage notes | Used informally to tell someone to put down a gun or to cease a conflict. It may not be appropriate in serious or tense situations. | Use in urgent situations where someone is holding a weapon. Generally informal and used in threatening contexts. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Drop the gun vs Put the gun down
What's the difference between Drop the gun and Put the gun down?
Drop the gun: To stop using a gun or drop an argument. Put the gun down: Stop holding the gun and place it on a surface.
Which is more formal: Drop the gun and Put the gun down?
Put the gun down is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Drop the gun and Put the gun down?
Put the gun down is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Drop the gun: He was told to drop the gun before anyone got hurt. Put the gun down: The officer yelled, 'Put the gun down!' to the robber.
Can I use Drop the gun and Put the gun down interchangeably?
Not always. Drop the gun and Put the gun down are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.