fall into

1. See fall in , def. 1.

2. Be naturally divisible into, as in These students fall into three categories . [First half of 1600s]

3. fall into a trap . Be deceived, unknowingly become involved in something. For example, By admitting I had free time, I fell into the trap of having to help him with his work . Also see under fall in ; fall in line ; fall in place .

4. Enter or engage in, be drawn into, as in I told Dad not to fall into conversation with them . [Late 1400s]

5. fall into error or sin . Be drawn into bad behavior, as in I fell into error when I started spending time with the wrong crowd . This usage, like fall from grace , originally alluded to religious concerns. It is now used less often and more loosely. [Late 1100s]

Example Sentences

Sir Keir Starmer was repeatedly asked why he was "picking a fight" with pensioners, and about warnings that more would fall into poverty as a result and that some would die.

From BBC

Republicans were sullenly falling into formation behind this pick, as evidenced by the suppression of the ethics report.

From Salon

Nevertheless, the Pacific View residents fall into a few familiar categories.

From Salon

The rapid Waca in Perth, Australia, has a high clay content, but produced cracks big enough for a small child to fall into.

From BBC

Four-legged animals that start walking and gradually pick up speed will automatically fall into a trot at some point.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• begin
• commence
• guarantee
• initiate
• launch
• offer
• shoulder
• tackle
• try