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Region: General | Usage example: The joke fell flat with the audience.

Fall flat

Meaning

Fail to have the intended effect.

Usage

Used when attempts miss the mark.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Sound or motion lacking impact.

Used since the 20th century in reviews.

Related Idioms

Fall on deaf ears

Be ignored or disregarded.

Fall off the wagon

Return to old habits, especially drinking.

Apple don't fall far from the tree

Children often resemble their parents.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.