# fall on one's face

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fall-on-ones-face
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To fail, especially in a dramatic or particularly decisive manner.

## Examples

- He tried to learn to skate but fell on his face.
- The company launched a new product, but it fell on its face because nobody wanted to buy it.
- Despite his elaborate preparations and years of experience, the politician fell on his face during the final debate.

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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.