Fall through the cracks

Meaning

Be overlooked or forgotten by a system.

Usage

Used in administrative or organizational critiques.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Imagery of slipping between floor grates or cracks.

Modern phrase from bureaucratic reporting.