fall between the cracks
To wind up in an unexpected situation which is, inadvertently, invisible to or not handled by whatever process one had hoped to be subject to; to be overlooked.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Important documents often fall between the cracks in this office.”
“Because the new policy was poorly communicated, several urgent requests fell between the cracks and were never processed.”
“Despite the implementation of rigorous oversight protocols, the most vulnerable citizens frequently fall between the cracks of an increasingly fragmented social welfare system.”
- 01
all it's cracked up to be
As good as claims or reputation would suggest.
- 02
catch a falling knife
To buy a financial instrument whose price is falling rapidly.
- 03
crack a crust
To make a living.
- 04
crack a fat
To get an erection of the penis.
- 05
crack a smile
To smile, especially while attempting not to.
- 06
crack down
To take harsh action (against), as when enforcing a law more stringently than before.
- 07
crack of dawn
The first moment of daylight; the instant at which sunrise begins.
- 08
crack through
To penetrate
Last updated August 10, 2026