Definition

1. Verb:
   • To lose an upright position and come down to the ground or a lower level: To drop or descend suddenly, typically by accident, from a standing, vertical, or elevated position.
   • To collapse or fail: To be unsuccessful or inadequate; to not meet expectations or standards.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Literal):
  • Be careful on the ice, or you might fall down.
  • The old tree finally fell down during the storm.
• Verb (Figurative):
  • His argument falls down when you examine the facts.
  • The plan falls down because it doesn't account for the costs.

Advanced Usage

• "to fall down on the job": to fail to perform one's duties adequately.
  • The manager warned the team not to fall down on the job during the busy season.

Variants and Related Words

• Fall (v): The base verb meaning to move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control.
• Falling-down (adj, attributive): Describing something in a state of collapse or disrepair.
  • They lived in a falling-down shack.

Synonyms

• Collapse: To fall down or give way suddenly.
• Tumble: To fall suddenly, clumsily, or headlong.
• Founder: To fail or break down.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fall over: Very similar in meaning to "fall down," often used when something tips over from an upright position.
  • The lamp fell over.
• Fall apart: To break into pieces, either literally or figuratively (e.g., to become emotionally upset).
  • The book is so old it's falling apart.

Related Idioms

• Fall down on the job: To fail to perform one's work properly. (See Advanced Usage)
• Fall down like ninepins: To collapse or fail in rapid succession.
  • During the flu season, staff members were falling down like ninepins.

Verb

1. lose an upright position suddenly
   • The vase fell over and the water spilled onto the table
   • Her hair fell across her forehead