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to fall flat
01
(of a joke, remark, event, etc.) to be completely unsuccessful in amusing people or having the desired effect
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What is the origin of the idiom "fall flat" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "fall flat" is uncertain, but it is believed to be related to the idea of a joke or comedic performance that fails to elicit the desired response from the audience, causing the energy or mood of the performance to "fall flat." Over time, the phrase has come to be used more generally to describe any situation where something fails to achieve the desired outcome, whether it be a joke, a performance, a product launch, or any other situation where success or impact is expected.
Example
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.
The actor thought he could improvise his lines, but he fell flat on his face and forgot what to say.
The event’s opening act fell flat, failing to energize the crowd for the main performance.
The team's attempt at a trick play fell flat and resulted in a turnover.
After telling a joke that fell flat, I knew it had gone down like a lead balloon.
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