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Region: General | Usage example: Some applications fall through the cracks during peak season.

Fall through the cracks

Meaning

Be overlooked or forgotten by a system.

Usage

Used in administrative or organizational critiques.

Origin & History

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

Imagery of slipping between floor grates or cracks.

Modern phrase from bureaucratic reporting.

Related Idioms

Slip through the cracks

Be overlooked or forgotten.

Fall on deaf ears

Be ignored or disregarded.

Jump through hoops

Do complicated or unnecessary tasks to achieve something.

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.