drop someone a line

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

to get in touch by sending a short note, message, or email

Word picture

A brief message is pictured as a single line of writing dropped into the recipient's hands.

Example

“Drop me a line when you arrive so I know the journey went well.”

Dictionary details

Component words

drop line

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

drop a hint Neutral · CEFR B1

suggest something indirectly instead of saying it openly

fall in line Neutral · CEFR B1

to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority

sign on the dotted line Neutral · CEFR B1

to commit yourself formally by signing an agreement

at the drop of a hat Neutral · CEFR B2

immediately and with no hesitation when an opportunity or prompt appears

hold the line Neutral · CEFR B2

to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure

break the ice Neutral · CEFR B1

To do or say something that eases tension and gets people talking comfortably in an unfamiliar social situation.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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