fall into

1. See fall in , def. 1.

2. Be naturally divisible into, as in These students fall into three categories . [First half of 1600s]

3. fall into a trap . Be deceived, unknowingly become involved in something. For example, By admitting I had free time, I fell into the trap of having to help him with his work . Also see under fall in ; fall in line ; fall in place .

4. Enter or engage in, be drawn into, as in I told Dad not to fall into conversation with them . [Late 1400s]

5. fall into error or sin . Be drawn into bad behavior, as in I fell into error when I started spending time with the wrong crowd . This usage, like fall from grace , originally alluded to religious concerns. It is now used less often and more loosely. [Late 1100s]

Related Words

• begin
• commence
• guarantee
• initiate
• launch
• offer
• shoulder
• tackle
• try