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to fall on stony ground
01
to fail to produce or achieve the desired result
What is the origin of the idiom "fall on stony ground" and when to use it?
The idiom "fall on stony ground" originates from a parable told by Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible. In the parable, a sower scatters seeds on different types of ground, including stony ground. The seeds that fall on the stony ground fail to take root and grow, as the soil is not deep enough to allow the roots to develop properly. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where an idea, proposal, or suggestion is not well-received or is unlikely to be successful.
Example
The artist's new album fell on stony ground when it received negative reviews from critics and fans alike.
His proposal for a new project fell on stony ground when no one was interested in investing.
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