fall flat

Idioms  

1. Fail, prove to be ineffective, as in His jokes nearly always fell flat—no one ever laughed at them. [First half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Reviews of the new release are mixed, with some critics praising its imagination and pace, but others are saying it falls flat compared to the first film.

From BBC

The idea of an account built primarily around higher education is falling flat for some parents.

From The Wall Street Journal

He nods to a "handful of hits" - including a Paddington immersive experience featuring a very real, very hungry bear - and while some fell flat, "at least they're willing to hazard their audience taking offence".

From BBC

But even when Nebraska did reach the tournament, they found new and creative ways to fall flat on their faces.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sterger said she’s seen a lot of character work fall flat, even in the “big leagues” when it comes to wrestling, just because they didn’t know how to be a convincing storyteller.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bump
• collapse
• collide
• ditch
• dive
• drop
• hurtle
• meet
• overturn
• plunge
• slip
• smash
• topple
• tumble