the wheels fell off
Something failed, often after or amidst a laborious, tiring process.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The project was going well until the wheels fell off.”
“We were ahead by ten points, but then the wheels fell off and we lost the game.”
“After months of careful planning, the wheels fell off the entire operation when the primary investor suddenly withdrew their support.”
- 01
big wheel
A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
- 02
break the wheel
To end a pattern of oppression, inequality, injustice, or abuse.
- 03
fifth wheel
Anything superfluous or unnecessary.
- 04
grease the wheels
To create conditions likely to produce or hasten favorable future developments.
- 05
hamster wheel
To cycle fruitlessly.
- 06
hell on wheels
A situation that is tough, aggressive, lawless, and wild.
- 07
little strokes fell great oaks
Small but persistent efforts can lead to big results.
- 08
one fell swoop
One stroke; one action or event that achieves or accomplishes many results.
Last updated August 10, 2026