drop a line

Idioms and Phrases

Correspond, write a short letter or note. For example, I hope you'll drop me a line soon . This idiom uses line in the sense of “a few words in writing,” a usage first recorded in 1647.

Example Sentences

Sánchez didn’t get any help from Vargas in the fifth; the third baseman dropped a line drive by Starling Marte while trying to transfer the ball from his glove to his throwing hand.

From Washington Post

Late on a video conference call with reporters this week, Washington Football Team star Chase Young dropped a line that almost ignited as he spoke.

From Washington Post

Around that same time, Ant Williams, an Australian free diver, and his team took to snowmobiles in the remote north of Norway, where they cut a hole and dropped a line in a deep lake.

From New York Times

Typically “drop a line” is the Rainier Beach football coach helping his players reach out to college scouts.

From Seattle Times

In person, Chiklis certainly exudes strength, but he is warm, humanistic, passionate, cursing himself when he drops a line, high-fiving the crew when they nail a difficult take.

From New York Times

Related Words

• address
• compose
• create
• draft
• note
• pen
• print
• record
• rewrite
• scrawl
• scribble
• sign
• tell

More About Drop A Line

What does drop a line mean?

Drop a line is an idiom meaning to write a few words in a letter or message, as in If you want to join my club, drop me a line!

Drop a line is often used with a name or pronoun referring to the recipient of the message, as in drop Zeke a line or drop us a line.

Originally referring to a physical letter, today drop a line is used more often to refer to email and other digital communication methods. On social media, it’s almost always used to encourage commenters to direct message (DM) the original poster.

Example: When you settle into your new house, drop us a line and let us know how you’re doing.

Where does drop a line come from?

The first records of the idiom drop a line come from around the 1640s. It comes from the use of drop meaning “to write and send,” referencing the dropping of a letter into a mailbox, and the use of line meaning “a short written message.”

Although drop a line is mostly used casually, you may hear it used in more formal settings, such as in a business meeting or office exchange while working. Drop a line can make the act of writing to someone seem quicker, so that the exchange seems to fit into a busy schedule easier.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for drop a line?

• message
• text
• write

What are some words that share a root or word element with drop a line? 

• drop
• line
• drop a dime
• drop a hint

What are some words that often get used in discussing drop a line?

• me
• you
• chance
• email

How is drop a line used in real life?

Drop a line is most often used in casual conversations and writing.

We are evolving and scaling at warp speed. We welcome smart contract devs or those with passion to grow their dev skills to drop us a line [e-mail]. #hiring #alwayshiring #$2YLDY

— Yieldly (@YieldlyFinance) February 10, 2022

Any small businesses need a boost this morning? Feel free to drop me a line, always happy to retweet and support. #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocalBusiness

— Simon Delaney (@SimonDelaneyEsq) September 24, 2020

Happy first day of #Summer! 😎

Drop us a line and let us know what you've got planned this summer. #firstdayofsummer

— Fisher House (@FisherHouseFdtn) June 20, 2021

 

Try using drop a line!

True or False?

To drop a line means to write a long letter.