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Jump the shark

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Origin Story

Understand that 'jump the shark' comes from a TV show episode where a character did a ridiculous stunt signifying the show's decline.

Illustration for Origin Story
The phrase 'jump the shark' is from when Fonzie water-skied over a shark on 'Happy Days'.
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Cultural Use

'Jump the shark' is often used in entertainment contexts, such as TV, movies, or books, to mark a quality downturn.

Illustration for Cultural Use
Critics said the film series 'jumped the shark' with the fourth sequel.
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Idiomatic Flexibility

The phrase can be modified to fit different forms, like 'jumping the shark' or 'has jumped the shark'.

Illustration for Idiomatic Flexibility
The ongoing TV show is jumping the shark this season.
Visual representation of the word "Jump the shark"

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