come a cropper

/kˈʌm ɐ kɹˈɒpə/

/kˈʌm ɐ kɹˈɑːpɚ/

[phrase]

to come a cropper

[PHRASE]

to suddenly fail at something

to [come] a cropper definition and meaning

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.

*** (of a person) to fall over

Examples

1. If she doesn't study harder, she'll come a cropper in her exams.

2. He has come a cropper in his business ventures, losing money in every investment.

3. The project is running behind schedule, and it looks like they're going to come a cropper.

4. But that's why John Kennedy came a cropper with Eleanor Roosevelt, because she thought him too moderate.

Nearby words

come apart at the seams

come back