drop a line

D

drop a line

Meaning

  • send a brief letter.
  • to call over the telephone.
  • send an email, etc.
  • send any kind of moral short letter or note to someone for chit-chat or hello.

Example Sentences

  1. If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, you could always drop her a line.
  2. We really do like hearing from you, so drop us a line and let us know how you are.
  3. I dropped Aunt Kelly a line last Thanksgiving.
  4. She usually drops me a few lines around the first of the year.
  5. Drop me a note when you get a chance.
  6. I hope you’ll drop me a line.
  7. The wife is always dropping her husband a line, even as they are separated.
  8. If you get a chance, drop me a line when you arrive in New York.
  9. Could you drop me a line when you get moved into your new home?

Origin

It was first used in the middle of the sixteenth century to refer to “a short, written message.” The word “drop” in the expression “drop someone a line” refers to placing a letter in a box at the post office for delivery to the intended recipient. And in the middle of the 1700s, the phrase “drop someone a line” became popular and was being used in texts.

Share your opinions4 Opinions

“I’m just dropping a line.” -I’m thinking about you so writing a small message. Is it how to use this way?

‒ Anonymous January 14, 2021

As mentioned, it uses “line” in the sense of “a line of writing; a few words” which evolved to mean a short letter. The use of “drop” comes from the notion of dropping a letter into a mailbox to be delivered, attested from at least 1769.

‒ Zack March 10, 2020

It doesn’t make a sense you can say we drop a line to each other every week, month etc.

‒ Dolly October 11, 2018

Can you drop me a line when your mom arrives?

‒ khaulat nassor June 9, 2015

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