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to fail or encounter difficulties at the beginning of a task or process, before any significant progress has been made
![to [fall] at the first (hurdle|fence) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40189/original/?type=jpeg "to [fall] at the first (hurdle|fence) definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "fall at the first hurdle" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "fall at the first hurdle" is thought to come from the sport of horse racing, where a hurdle is a barrier that horses must jump over during a race. If a horse fails to clear the first hurdle, it is considered to have fallen at the first hurdle and is unlikely to win the race. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where someone fails at the first obstacle or challenge, whether it be in a sporting context or not.
to encounter failure or difficulties just before reaching the end or achieving a goal
![to [fall] at the (final|last) (hurdle|fence) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40881/original/?type=jpeg "to [fall] at the (final|last) (hurdle|fence) definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "fall at the final hurdle" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "fall at the final hurdle" is similar to that of "fall at the first hurdle," which is believed to come from horse racing. In this case, however, the phrase may have originated from track and field events, where runners would have to jump over a series of hurdles before reaching the finish line. If a runner fell while attempting to clear the last hurdle, they would have "fallen at the final hurdle," costing them the race. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where someone fails just before reaching their goal, often after an extended period of hard work or effort.
