Fall Flat In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "Fall Flat", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Kathy Cao calendar 2021-01-11 10:01

Meaning of Fall Flat

Fall Flat bare infinitive verb

This idiom is often used to refer to failed jokes or attempts at humor but also applies to ideas, suggestions, movements, events, stories or any efforts to convince.

To fall flat is to completely fail to achieve the expected or desired results; to be ineffective; to cause no amusement or interest.

Without him the party would have fallen flat.

She was badly disappointed when her performance fell flat.

I tried to convince my parents to reunite, but it fell flat.

Other phrases about:

to throw in the towel

 To quit; to give up, stop doing something because you know that you cannot succeed; admit defeat

go down swinging/fighting
to fight until the very end
Brevity is the Soul of Wit

The key element of funny speech and writing is shortness.

Hit the Skids

To begin to decline or deteriorate decline; to get worse very quickly

don't spend it all in one place

A joking phrase used when someone receives a small amount of money 

Grammar and Usage of Fall Flat

Verb Forms

  • fallen flat
  • falling flat
  • fell flat
  • To fall flat

Starting of the idiom is a verb, we need to conjugate tense for the verb.

More examples:

None

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Origin of Fall Flat

The idiom fall flat  was used since the first half of the 1800’s. Fall flat is often supposed to be a shortened version of fall flat on one’s face. However, it is more likely a shorted version of an older idiom ‘to fall flat upon the ear.’ The original idiom probably alluded to music that failed to please and was extended generally to spoken ideas, jokes, etc.

The Origin Cited:
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sound like a broken record

To say the same thing repeatedly

Example:

Ok, I get it! You sound like a broken record, seriously!

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