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REFERENCE

the wheels fell off

idiom
Meaning

Something failed, often after or amidst a laborious, tiring process.


Examples
SIMPLE

The project was going well until the wheels fell off.

CONTEXTUAL

We were ahead by ten points, but then the wheels fell off and we lost the game.

COMPLEX

After months of careful planning, the wheels fell off the entire operation when the primary investor suddenly withdrew their support.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    grease the wheels

    To create conditions likely to produce or hasten favorable future developments.

  2. 02

    hell on wheels

    A situation that is tough, aggressive, lawless, and wild.

  3. 03

    little strokes fell great oaks

    Small but persistent efforts can lead to big results.

  4. 04

    one fell swoop

    One stroke; one action or event that achieves or accomplishes many results.

  5. 05

    set of wheels

    A car.

  6. 06

    set the wheels in motion

    to initiate a chain of events necessary to help one achieve a goal (more quickly)

  7. 07

    spin one's wheels

    To make no progress despite making an effort; to get nowhere.

  8. 08

    spin someone's wheels

    To excite someone; to stir someone's emotions.

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