clanger

American  

[klang-er] / ˈklæŋ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that clangs.

2. British Slang. a blunder; faux pas.

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idioms

1. drop a clanger, to blunder.

clanger British  

/ ˈklæŋə /

noun

1. informal a conspicuous mistake (esp in the phrase drop a clanger )

2. something that clangs or causes a clang

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Etymology

Origin of clanger

First recorded in 1945–50; clang + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Its flowers are extravagant, with an extra-long, maroon-purple clanger dangling from each fuchsia bell; its distinctive leaves are heart shaped, with toothed edges.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 18, 2023

"Some night he'll move and other nights he'll stand and play, Some nights he might be a bit out of it and drop the odd clanger but he never coasts."

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2020

Not an enormous clanger, but the keeper should’ve done better there.

From The Guardian • Nov. 8, 2015

Kick-offs at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will be back in action this afternoon following a performance against Arsenal in which he made one incredible save and dropped a rare clanger.

From The Guardian • Oct. 24, 2015

Uri was howling like a wolf, and even as the oven chimney pipes toppled like trees, I laughed and pulled and pulled the clanger rope.

From "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli