Definition

Verb (Phrasal Verb): - To write a brief letter or message to someone: The phrase "drop a line" means to write and send a short, informal communication, such as a letter, note, or email, to someone.

Usage

• This phrasal verb is informal and friendly. It is used to suggest or remind someone to send a quick written update.
• It is typically used with the preposition "to" to specify the recipient (e.g., "drop a line to someone").
• The direct object (e.g., "a line") is rarely separated in this idiom. You "drop someone a line" or "drop a line to someone."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Drop a few lines": A common variation meaning to write a slightly longer, but still informal, message.
  • She dropped a few lines to her colleague to explain the situation.

Variants and Related Words

• Write (verb): A more general and neutral term for producing written text.
• Correspond (verb): To communicate by exchanging letters, typically over a period of time (more formal).
• Pencil in (phrasal verb): To make a tentative appointment or note. This is related to writing but has a different meaning.
  • Let's pencil in a meeting for next week.

Synonyms

• Send a note: To dispatch a brief written message.
• Write a letter: To compose a written message, which may be longer.
• Dash off a note: To write something quickly and informally.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Drop in: To visit someone informally without a prior arrangement.
  • Feel free to drop in for tea anytime.
• Drop off: To deliver something or someone to a place.
  • Can you drop this package off at the post office?

Related Idioms

• Put pen to paper: To begin writing something.
  • After thinking for days, he finally put pen to paper and started his novel.
• Dash off: To write or compose something very quickly.
  • She dashed off an email before leaving the office.

Verb

1. communicate (with) in writing
   • Write her soon, please!