Definition & Meaning of "[come] a cropper"

What is the origin of the idiom "come a cropper" and when to use it?

The idiom "come a cropper" is believed to have emerged in Britain in the early 19th century, and may have originally referred to a horse that stumbled and fell during a race. This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone has experienced a sudden and unexpected setback or failure, often as a result of their own actions or decisions.