Fall flat on your face
phrase
To fail spectacularly, especially in a public or embarrassing way.
I was so unprepared for the presentation. I fell flat on my face in front of everyone.
Often appears as...
- fall flat on face when
- pleased to fall flat on face
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To stumble and fall in a very clumsy manner.
I was so clumsy that I fell flat on my face while running.
Often appears as...
- fall flat on one's face running
- trip and fall flat on one's face
phrase
To be rejected or have one's proposals turned down.
My idea for the project fell flat on its face during the meeting.
Often appears as...
- idea fell flat on its face
- proposal fell flat on its face
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To fail spectacularly, especially in a public or embarrassing way.
I was so unprepared for the presentation. I fell flat on my face in front of everyone.
Often appears as...
- fall flat on face when
- pleased to fall flat on face
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To stumble and fall in a very clumsy manner.
I was so clumsy that I fell flat on my face while running.
Often appears as...
- fall flat on one's face running
- trip and fall flat on one's face
phrase
To be rejected or have one's proposals turned down.
My idea for the project fell flat on its face during the meeting.
Often appears as...
- idea fell flat on its face
- proposal fell flat on its face
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Metaphor
Used informally to describe a big failure, not a literal fall.
He tried to joke during his speech, but he fell flat on his face.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Imagery
Sometimes used to add humor when talking about failures.
She fell flat on her face with that karaoke performance.
Pro Tip 3/3Public Events
Often used when a failure occurs in front of others, adding to embarrassment.
At the debate, his arguments fell flat on their face.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Metaphor
Used informally to describe a big failure, not a literal fall.
He tried to joke during his speech, but he fell flat on his face.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Imagery
Sometimes used to add humor when talking about failures.
She fell flat on her face with that karaoke performance.
Pro Tip 3/3Public Events
Often used when a failure occurs in front of others, adding to embarrassment.
At the debate, his arguments fell flat on their face.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Metaphor
Used informally to describe a big failure, not a literal fall.
He tried to joke during his speech, but he fell flat on his face.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Imagery
Sometimes used to add humor when talking about failures.
She fell flat on her face with that karaoke performance.
Pro Tip 3/3Public Events
Often used when a failure occurs in front of others, adding to embarrassment.
At the debate, his arguments fell flat on their face.
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