put a pin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put a pin" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression meaning to mark a specific point or location, often with a physical pin or marker. Example: Before starting the presentation, please put a pin on the map to show where our company is located.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Let's put a pin in that thought, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

I put a pin through it and that was it".

The New York Times - Arts

And you can't put a pin through an insincere moment in Christopher Plummer's performance.

The New York Times

It is possible, but let's put a pin in that explanation for now.

The Washington Post

ARCHEOLOGIST 1: Wanna put a pin in this and grab lunch?

The New Yorker

To hasten the healing, he is considering surgery to put a pin in his pinkie.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Wear traditional Indian dress and put a flag pin on it.

WikiHow

My thanks to Lauren Slater (Feb. 3) for putting a pin to the bubble of self-esteem.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's like putting a pin in a balloon and just popping the air out".

The New Yorker

"You're putting a pin through its head," Heather snapped at her dad as he worked at this tailoring.

The New York Times - Sports

Putting a pin in your particular position in place and time is almost a prerequisite of modern life.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put a pin" when you want to temporarily defer a topic for later discussion or consideration. It's useful in meetings or conversations where time is limited or when a more pressing matter needs immediate attention.

Common error

Avoid using "put a pin" to describe physically attaching a pin to something unless the context clearly indicates the idiomatic meaning is not intended. Otherwise, it can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a pin" functions as an idiomatic expression used to signify setting aside a topic or idea for later consideration. It's a way of pausing the current discussion with the intent to revisit it at a more opportune time, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Lifestyle

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic expression "put a pin" is grammatically sound and functions as a way to defer a topic for later consideration. As Ludwig AI explains, the expression is commonly used in news, media, lifestyle, and academic contexts to manage time and focus during conversations and meetings. While versatile, it's important to avoid literal interpretations to prevent confusion. Alternatives like "hold that thought" or "set aside for later" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold that thought

Similar to postponing a discussion, but specifically refers to a current idea or point.

mark a spot

Focuses on the action of identifying a specific location or point.

put on hold

Indicates a temporary suspension or delay, often used in business contexts.

designate a place

Emphasizes the act of formally choosing or assigning a specific location.

postpone discussion

Directly indicates the act of delaying a conversation.

set aside for later

Highlights the act of postponing something for future consideration.

shelve the idea

Indicates a temporary rejection or postponement of an idea or plan.

suspend consideration

More formal way of saying to temporarily stop thinking about something.

defer consideration

Highlights the act of delaying thoughtful examination.

table the motion

A more formal and parliamentary way of saying to postpone a proposal.

FAQs

How to use "put a pin" in a sentence?

You can use "put a pin" to indicate temporarily setting something aside. For example, "Let's "put a pin in that" and return to it later".

What can I say instead of "put a pin"?

Alternatives include "hold that thought", "set aside for later", or "table the discussion".

When is it appropriate to use "put a pin"?

It's appropriate when you want to postpone a topic without dismissing it entirely, suggesting it will be revisited at a more suitable time. It implies a temporary suspension of discussion.

What's the difference between "put a pin" and "drop the subject"?

"Put a pin" suggests temporary deferral, whereas "drop the subject" implies ending the discussion altogether. "Put a pin" indicates a return, while "drop the subject" indicates finality.