Come a cropper

Pro Tip 1/3

British Slang

It's a British expression so it might not be understood globally, especially where British English isn't common.

In an international meeting, saying 'come a cropper' confused my American colleagues.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It doesn't mean a physical fall, but a figurative one related to making mistakes or failing tasks.

After missing his project deadline, he really came a cropper at work.

Pro Tip 3/3

Negative Outcome

Used to describe a situation with a poor or undesirable result, not a minor inconvenience.

I tried to fix the car myself and came a cropper when it broke down again.