# fall between the cracks

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fall-between-the-cracks
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.