Written by Miranda González
Happy first day of fall, everyone! The temperatures will soon begin to drop, and so will the leaves. It’s time to enjoy pumpkin-flavored everything and look forward to the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays. Why don’t we get into the spirit of the season with some “fall” idioms?
Fall off the face of the earth – to disappear completely and often suddenly
Example: I haven’t seen Jasmine for months. She’s fallen off the face of the earth.
Fall in(to) place – to occur in a satisfactory and organized way
Example: Let’s see…I’ve got my passport, plane ticket, my bags are packed. Everything for my vacation is falling into place.
Fall through the cracks – to be forgotten about or overlooked, especially within a large system
Example: Sometimes students with learning disabilities don’t get the support they need because with so many children, they fall through the cracks.
Fall off the wagon – to start drinking again after having vowed to quit; also used for other addictive/compulsive behaviors
Example: Whenever Chris goes to parties where there is alcohol, he falls off the wagon again.
Fall on deaf ears – to be ignored
Example: Mark told his son Brad to slow down when driving, but his advice fell on deaf ears. Brad got a speeding ticket.
Fall all over someone – To give someone a lot of attention and admiration; usually used negatively
Example: I can’t stand the way Laura falls all over Aaron whenever he’s around.
Fall back on something - To use something or do something after everything else has failed
Example: Her husband lost his job when the company went out of business, but at least they have their savings to fall back on.
Quiz time!
Please fill in the blanks with the missing phrase.
1. I’ve tried to quit coffee, but I keep falling _______________.
2. I haven’t seen you in forever! Did you fall _______________?
3. Quit falling _______________ Ryan. Have some self-respect!
4. I sent a check to the power company, but it was never cashed. It must have fallen _______________.
5. Mary has no money to go grocery shopping this month. She’ll have to fall _______________ her food storage.
6. I see my advice fell _______________. You didn’t bring an umbrella, and now you’re soaking wet!
7. The contract was approved and the documents are all signed. Everything is falling _______________ place.
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