"drum roll" vs "roll a drum"

Question

"drum roll" vs "roll a drum"

Both "drum roll" and "roll a drum" are correct, but they have different meanings and usage. "Drum roll" is a noun phrase referring to a rapid succession of beats on a drum, often used to build suspense or anticipation. On the other hand, "roll a drum" is a verb phrase that doesn't have a common usage in English.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

It is used to describe a rapid succession of beats on a drum, often used to build suspense or anticipation.

Examples:

Let's have a drum roll before announcing the winner.
The drummer performed a fantastic drum roll during the concert.

Alternatives:

drumming
drumbeat
drum solo
drumming up excitement
drumming up support

It can be used in a literal sense to describe physically rolling a drum, but it is not a common expression in English.

Alternatives:

play the drum
beat the drum
hit the drum
strike the drum
drumming

Answer 1

drum roll

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

roll a drum

This phrase is correct but not commonly used in English.

"drum roll" vs "roll a drum"

drum roll

roll a drum

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