fall flat on one's face

/fˈɔːl flˈat ˌɒn wˈɒnz fˈeɪs/

/fˈɔːl flˈæt ˌɑːn wˈʌnz fˈeɪs/

[phrase]

to fall flat on one's face

[PHRASE]

to experience an embarrassing failure in an attempt to do something

to [fall] flat on {one's} face definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "fall flat on one's face" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "fall flat on one's face" is unclear, but it may have originated from the literal act of falling forward and landing on one's face, which is a highly visible and embarrassing physical mishap. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where someone fails in a highly noticeable or embarrassing way, often resulting in public humiliation or a loss of reputation.

Examples

1. The actor thought he could improvise his lines, but he fell flat on his face and forgot what to say.

2. The student thought he could pass the exam without studying, but he fell flat on his face and failed.

3. The athlete thought he could easily clear the high jump, but he fell flat on his face and didn't even make it over the bar.

4. The speaker had not prepared for the presentation and so when she got up to speak, she fell flat on her face and forgot her lines.

Nearby words