drop the subject
/drɒp ðə ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/
Meaning
To stop discussing a particular topic, especially because it is causing an argument, embarrassment, or discomfort. It is often used as a request or a firm command when someone wants to end a conversation.
Examples
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Look, I don't want to talk about my ex anymore, so let's just drop the subject.
Look, I don't want to talk about my ex anymore, so let's just drop the subject.
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She could see he was getting upset, so she wisely decided to drop the subject.
She could see he was getting upset, so she wisely decided to drop the subject.
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I wish you would drop the subject of politics during dinner.
I wish you would drop the subject of politics during dinner.
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They agreed to drop the subject to avoid ruining their friendship.
They agreed to drop the subject to avoid ruining their friendship.
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Can we please drop the subject? We're not going to agree anyway.
Can we please drop the subject? We're not going to agree anyway.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Let's lose the subject.
✓ Let's drop the subject.
The correct verb is 'drop', meaning to let go or stop. 'Lose' is not used in this context.
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✗ He dropped the theme when he saw she was crying.
✓ He dropped the subject when he saw she was crying.
'Subject' refers to the topic of conversation here. 'Theme' is used for artistic works or events.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Things were getting tense, so I decided to ___.
💡 Stop talking about it.
Show answer
drop the subject
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Please ___! I've told you three times I don't want to go.
💡 Command form.
Show answer
drop the subject