# split on a rock

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/split-on-a-rock
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To completely fail in one's attempt

## Examples

- Our business project split on a rock after the funding disappeared.
- The team worked for months, but the entire plan split on a rock when the main investor withdrew.
- Despite their meticulous preparation and high expectations, the ambitious diplomatic mission split on a rock during the final round of negotiations.

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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.