squash it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "squash it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to suggest stopping or suppressing something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "We need to squash it before it becomes a bigger issue." Alternative expressions include "put an end to it" and "nip it in the bud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One is to squash it — to destroy or coöpt an open-science icon that threatens its business model.

The New Yorker

I hugged Mo close to squash it.

The New Yorker

Kenyan government forces have been seeking to squash it.

The Economist

It's going to happen, you can't squash it.

The Guardian

Why squash it when you can own it?

The New York Times

You tell Newsnight and then they squash it.

The Guardian

But if you have that thought, squash it.

The Guardian

And they bluntly warned that they could squash it.

The New York Times

One raises a point, the other tries to squash it.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't just no more squash, it was no more training sessions with them.

The Guardian - Sport

Although the pug would sit on the Oscar and squash it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In instructional writing, such as recipes or DIY guides, use it to describe the literal physical flattening of an object using pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "squash it" in formal legal contexts where "quash it" is the correct technical term for nullifying a subpoena or a legal proceeding. While they are often interchangeable in casual speech, legal and high-level academic writing requires the more specific term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squash it" functions as a transitive verb phrase. In the data provided by Ludwig, it is frequently used to denote both a literal physical action and a metaphorical one. It follows the standard pattern of a verb followed by a direct object pronoun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and widespread use in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "squash it" is a highly versatile and correct English phrase used to describe the act of flattening or suppressing something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a Very common expression across a wide variety of reputable sources, ranging from the literal cooking instructions of Nigel Slater in The Guardian to metaphorical political analysis in The Economist. While it is acceptable in most writing, authors should be mindful of the subtle distinction between "squash it" and its more formal cousin ""quash it"", particularly in legal contexts. Overall, it remains a powerful choice for conveying decisive action and total suppression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quash it

More formal and often used in legal or official contexts to describe nullifying or rejecting something.

suppress it

Shifts focus toward the prevention of development or expression, suitable for more formal writing.

stifle it

Implies a more suffocating or gradual ending of an action or emotion.

crush it

Carries a stronger, more forceful connotation of total destruction.

put an end to it

A direct, clear alternative that lacks the idiomatic flavor but maintains the same meaning.

nip it in the bud

An idiom specifically focused on stopping something at an early stage.

stomp it

Emphasizes the physical action of using one's feet to flatten an object.

silence it

Specifically relates to stopping rumors, sounds, or opposing voices.

extinguish it

Metaphorical usage often related to fires or hopes/dreams.

kill it

Highly informal, suggesting the total termination of a project, idea, or bug.

FAQs

How do I use "squash it" in a sentence?

You can use it literally, as in "take the garlic and "squash it" flat", or figuratively, as in "the government tried to "suppress it" or "squash it" before the news spread".

What can I say instead of "squash it" to sound more professional?

To sound more professional, you can use alternatives like ""suppress it"", ""quash it"", or "resolve it" depending on the specific situation.

Is it "squash it" or "quash it" for a legal motion?

For a legal motion, the correct term is ""quash it"". While "squash it" is common in general usage, it lacks the formal legal weight required in courtroom terminology.

What is the difference between "squash it" and "crush it"?

While both mean to apply pressure, "squash it" usually implies flattening something into a different shape, whereas "crush it" often implies breaking it into many pieces or destroying its structure entirely.