fall in
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To cave in and collapse, or to stand in a straight line as soldiers do.
Literal meaning: To fall toward the inside or interior of something.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
Of a structure such as a roof or ceiling: to collapse inward.
"Years of neglect had weakened the barn roof, and it finally fell in after the heavy snowfall."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
Military: to form ranks; to line up in an ordered formation on command.
"The sergeant shouted 'Fall in!' and the recruits scrambled to form a straight line."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
In military contexts, 'fall in!' is a direct order for soldiers to form ranks. In structural contexts, it describes a roof or surface collapsing inward. Both uses are clear from context. The military sense is well known even among civilians from films and TV.
Commonly used with
roof ceiling soldiers troops ranks formation parade
Forms
Base
fall in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls in
he/she/it
Past simple
fell in
yesterday
Past participle
fallen in
have + pp
-ing form
falling in
continuous
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Synonyms
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