Cool MateDrop vs Let the gun slip out
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Drop
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Let the gun slip out
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Drop
| Drop | Let the gun slip out | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/drɒp/","/drɒps/","/drɒpt/","/ˈdrɒpɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/drɑːp/","/drɑːps/","/drɑːpt/","/ˈdrɑːpɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt ðə ɡʌn slɪp aʊt//🇺🇸 //lɛt ðə ɡʌn slɪp aʊt// |
| Meaning | to let something fall or go down | Allow the gun to fall from your hand. |
| Example | Please drop the ball so we can play a game. | He was so anxious that he let the gun slip out of his hands. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | accidentally, carelessly, casually, in, into, on, accidentally, carelessly, casually, in, into, on, heavily, gently, lightly, let something, be ready to, into, onto, to, drop like a stone, drop open, considerably, dramatically, drastically, be likely to, be unlikely to, below, by, from, sharply, steeply, away, into, to, towards/toward, quietly, unceremoniously, from, in favour/favor of, quietly, immediately, quickly, let something, agree to, decide to, in favour/favor of | let it go, slip away, hold it tightly |
| Antonyms | pick up, raise, lift | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'drop' without an object (e.g., saying 'I drop' instead of 'I drop the ball'), Confusing 'drop' with 'spill' when referring to liquids, Incorrectly using 'drop' in the past tense form; remember it's 'dropped' | Confusing 'let' with 'make'; 'let' means to allow, while 'make' means to force., Using 'slip out' without an object; it's typically used with something falling., Forgetting to consider the seriousness of discussing firearms. |
| Usage notes | Use 'drop' when something is falling or being released. It's appropriate in both casual and more serious contexts, but avoid using it in overly formal writing. | This phrase is often used in informal contexts and may not be appropriate in very serious discussions. Use with caution around sensitive topics. |
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Frequently asked questions: Drop vs Let the gun slip out
What's the difference between Drop and Let the gun slip out?
Drop: to let something fall or go down Let the gun slip out: Allow the gun to fall from your hand.
Which is more common: Drop and Let the gun slip out?
Drop is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Drop: Please drop the ball so we can play a game. Let the gun slip out: He was so anxious that he let the gun slip out of his hands.
Can I use Drop and Let the gun slip out interchangeably?
Not always. Drop and Let the gun slip out 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.