drop a line

drop a line — idiom

1. to send a short, informal written message to someone, usually by post or email,

1.idiomB1
Definition

to send a short, informal written message to someone, usually by post or email, just to stay in touch or briefly share news

Example

Theo said he would drop me a line once his flight lands in Tokyo.

drop + [someone] + a line expressing future intention

If you ever visit Barcelona, please drop us a line and we can meet up.

imperative: drop + [indirect object] + a line

Common collocations
  • drop someone a line
  • drop a line to someone
  • drop a line and let me know
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

drop + [someone] + a line

Usage Note

This idiom always includes an indirect object — the person receiving the message — as in 'drop someone a line'. It suits friendly, personal communication; for formal letters, use 'write to' instead.

Common Mistakes

I dropped a line to the bank about my account.
I dropped my cousin a line to see how her new job was going.
This idiom sounds too casual for formal or business situations.

Etymology

English

This idiom combines 'drop' in the sense of sending or releasing casually (as in 'drop a letter in the mailbox') with 'line' meaning a short written message. The use of 'line' to refer to a brief letter dates back to the 16th century, and the full phrase 'drop a line' became common in the 1800s.