American, informal

to make a mistake, especially by doing something in a stupid or careless way.

For god's sake don't drop the ball - we're relying on you.

• shoot down in flames
• shoot down something
• shoot for
• shoot for something
• shoot from the hip
• shoot hoops
• shoot in the foot
• shoot load
• shoot mouth off
• shoot someone a dirty look
• shoot someone down in flames
• shoot something down in flames
• shoot straight
• shoot the breeze
• shoot the bull
• shoot the messenger
• shoot the works
• shoot up
• shoot up something
• shoot wad
• shoot your bolt
• shoot your load
• shoot your mouth off
• shoot yourself in the foot
• shoot your wad