pear-shaped

[pair-sheypt]

adjective

1. having the shape of a pear; tapering near the top and bulging toward the base or bottom.

   a pear-shaped vase.

2. (of a vocal tone) clear, resonant, and without harshness; full-bodied.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pear-shaped¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

"I was doing really well until 22 miles when I blew it. I lost my balance and it all went a bit pear-shaped," he says.

From BBC

If anything goes wrong or pear-shaped I'll come and get you'.

From BBC

The first is a generous, pear-shaped indentation to hold a lit cigarette or cigar.

From Los Angeles Times

“It doesn’t matter what I think. I’m not the alpha. I’m just a helper. I’ll do what I’m told and keep my mouth shut. Even when this whole thing goes pear-shaped.”

From Literature

I'm handed an elegant pear-shaped bottle with an intricate leaf pattern reaching up around the neck.

From BBC