Fall flat

verb

To fail completely, especially in an embarrassing way.

The new television show fell flat, with scarcely any viewers.
Visual representation of "fall flat" - To fail completely, especially in an embarrassing way.

Often appears as...

  • the joke fell flat
  • the performance fell flat

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adjective

Lacking the expected or usual force, quality, or effectiveness.

The soda is fall flat, it lost all its gas.
Visual representation of "fall flat" - Lacking the expected or usual force, quality, or effectiveness.

Often appears as...

  • the beer fell flat
  • the charger fell flat
verb

To say or do something that is intended to make people laugh but that is not really funny or appropriate.

His joke about her baldness fell flat.
Visual representation of "fall flat" - To say or do something that is intended to make people laugh but that is not really funny or appropriate.

Often appears as...

  • the jibe fell flat
  • the prank fell flat

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To fail completely, especially in an embarrassing way.

The new television show fell flat, with scarcely any viewers.
Visual representation of "fall flat" - To fail completely, especially in an embarrassing way.

Often appears as...

  • the joke fell flat
  • the performance fell flat

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adjective

Lacking the expected or usual force, quality, or effectiveness.

The soda is fall flat, it lost all its gas.
Visual representation of "fall flat" - Lacking the expected or usual force, quality, or effectiveness.

Often appears as...

  • the beer fell flat
  • the charger fell flat
verb

To say or do something that is intended to make people laugh but that is not really funny or appropriate.

His joke about her baldness fell flat.
Visual representation of "fall flat" - To say or do something that is intended to make people laugh but that is not really funny or appropriate.

Often appears as...

  • the jibe fell flat
  • the prank fell flat

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "fall flat"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expectation vs. Reality

Used when something doesn't meet expectations, especially if success was anticipated.

Illustration for Expectation vs. Reality
Her innovative app concept fell flat after poor user feedback.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Perception of Failure

Implies a noticeable lack of success, often publicly evident.

Illustration for Perception of Failure
Despite the hype, the festival fell flat with lower than expected attendance.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Embarrassment Potential

Can suggest an embarrassing outcome, particularly with creative endeavors or public speaking.

Illustration for Embarrassment Potential
His speech fell flat, leaving the audience uncomfortable.
Visual representation of the word "Fall flat"

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