come a cropper
To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He tried to ride the bike too fast and came a cropper.”
“You will come a cropper if you try to walk on that slippery ice.”
“His secret plan comes a cropper because he tells too many people about it.”
“The company came a cropper when they invested all their money in a failing project.”
“The young athlete came a cropper during the final lap when she tripped over a loose piece of track.”
“Many new restaurants come a cropper in their first year because they do not understand the local market.”
“Despite his careful planning, the ambitious politician came a cropper after a scandal surfaced during the final week of the campaign.”
disputed origin
Possibly from the phrase *neck and crop*, in which *crop* may refer to the backside of a horse. This origin is unproven, though the expression suggests a fall in which the rider is thrown forward over the animal's neck, bringing the horse's rear over its own head. This particular sequence of events was considered an inconvenient method of dismounting.
- 01
appetite comes with eating
Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.
- 02
as they come
As it is possible to be.
- 03
blow to kingdom come
To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).
- 04
burn that bridge when one comes to it
To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.
- 05
Christmas come early
Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.
- 06
come a long way
To make significant progress.
- 07
come again
A polite formula used when one has not heard or understood what has been said, or to indicate surprise.
- 08
come alive
to become responsive and animated.
Last updated August 10, 2026