drop the topic: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘drop the topic’ mean?
The idiom "drop the topic" means to stop discussing or mentioning a particular subject or issue. It implies a decision to end the conversation and move on to a different topic.
Idiom Explorer
Meaning: To stop or cease doing something or to end an activity or behavior.
This idiom is commonly used to indicate the act of discontinuing or putting an end to a particular action or behavior.
The idiom "leave it at that" means to stop or conclude a discussion or action at a certain point and not continue any further.
The idiom "knock it off" means to stop a certain behavior or to cease doing something annoying or inappropriate.
The idiom "kick to the curb" means to reject or dismiss someone or something, usually in a harsh or abrupt manner.
The idiom "hold that thought" means to ask someone to temporarily stop speaking or delay a discussion until one is ready to continue or listen further.
The idiom "go by the wayside" means to be forgotten or abandoned, usually due to a lack of attention or interest.
The idiom "get to the point" means to speak or write directly and concisely, without unnecessary details or digressions.
The idiom "get rid of" means to dispose of something or eliminate something or someone.
The idiom "fly off at a tangent" means to suddenly change the subject or direction of a conversation or thought without any apparent reason or connection.
The idiom "fall by the wayside" means to fail or be forgotten, usually due to lack of interest or support.
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"drop out" is another idiomatic phrase that is often used in English. This phrase is typically used to describe someone who leaves or withdraws from a group or organization. It can refer to someone leaving school or university before completing their studies, or someone leaving a particular program or activity.
When someone "drops out," they are choosing to remove themselves from a situation or group. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as lack of interest, dissatisfaction, or the feeling that they no longer fit in. In some cases, it can also refer to someone quitting or giving up on a particular endeavor or goal.
There are several idioms related to "drop out" that can help to further illustrate its meaning. For example, someone might say that they "dropped out of college" or that they "decided to drop out of the race." These phrases emphasize the act of leaving or withdrawing from a specific situation or pursuit.
"drop off" is another idiomatic phrase that is commonly used in English. Unlike "drop out," which typically refers to someone leaving or withdrawing from a group or organization, "drop off" is often used to describe the act of delivering or leaving something or someone at a particular place.
When someone "drops off" an item or a person, they are physically leaving it or them in a specific location. For example, someone might "drop off" a package at the post office, or they might "drop off" a friend at their house. This phrase can also be used to describe a decrease or decline in something, such as a decrease in a person's energy or a decline in the quality of a product or service.
There are several idioms related to "drop off" that can help to further illustrate its meaning. For example, someone might say that they "dropped off the document at the office" or that they "dropped off their kids at school." These phrases emphasize the act of physically leaving something or someone at a specific location.
"drop the mic" is a popular idiomatic phrase that is often used in English, particularly in informal or comedic contexts. This phrase is typically used to describe a dramatic or emphatic exit from a performance or conversation, often accompanied by a bold statement or action.
When someone "drops the mic," they are metaphorically letting go of their microphone and ending their performance or speech in a memorable and dramatic way. This phrase is often used to indicate that the person has made a strong or powerful point and is confident in their statement or performance.
There are several idioms related to "drop the mic" that can help to further illustrate its meaning. For example, someone might say that they "dropped the mic and walked offstage" or that they "decided to drop the mic during the debate." These phrases emphasize the act of ending a performance or conversation in a bold and memorable way.
"drop the topic" is an idiomatic phrase commonly used in American English to instruct someone to stop talking about or discussing a particular subject. Its origins are unclear, but it likely stems from the act of physically dropping or releasing something. By using this phrase, the speaker is asking for a change in conversation or for the topic to be left behind. It can be seen as a more forceful directive in certain situations, indicating frustration or annoyance with the ongoing discussion. Despite its straightforward meaning, the phrase leaves open the possibilities of the unspoken motivations or underlying tensions that lead to its usage.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "drop the topic" can be used:
- She tried to discuss the sensitive issue, but he immediately dropped the topic.
- After a heated argument, they decided to drop the topic and focus on finding a solution.
- He kept bringing up the embarrassing mistake, but she insisted on dropping the topic to avoid any further embarrassment.
The idiom "drop the topic" is used in these sentences to convey the action of ceasing or avoiding further discussion on a particular subject or issue. In all three examples, dropping the topic is a conscious decision made to prevent conflict, avoid discomfort, or maintain a certain level of harmony in the conversation. It suggests the act of intentionally abandoning or letting go of the subject matter, signaling a desire to move on or shift focus to something else.
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