fall down

verb

1. to drop suddenly or collapse
2. informal.
   often foll by on to prove unsuccessful; fail

Idioms and Phrases

Fail to meet expectations; lag in performance. For example, It was disappointing to see him fall down on the job . This expression transfers a literal drop to a figurative one. [Second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

Nice weather, though; fall is beautiful, the leaves fall down here, like, right off the trees.

From Los Angeles Times

He joked about how he’d probably fall down if he attempted his look-to-the-heavens windup when throwing out the ceremonial first pitch opening day.

From Los Angeles Times

"When I'm following the path I want to follow, tumbling and falling down doesn't matter," she tells the BBC.

From BBC

Bilodeau made an early case as the team’s most skilled offensive player, the transfer from Oregon State scoring his team’s first seven points on a reverse layup, another layup and a three-pointer while falling down.

From Los Angeles Times

"We need the council to realise the urgency of situation, especially when bits of the ceiling are falling down."

From BBC

Related Words

• bumble
• careen
• fall
• falter
• flounder
• hesitate
• limp
• lumber
• lurch
• shuffle
• swing
• waver
• wobble