fall into oneself
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To go so deeply into your own feelings or thoughts that you stop paying attention to what is happening around you.
Literal meaning: To fall inward, into one's own interior space — a spatial metaphor for introspection.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To become deeply absorbed in one's own inner world, often losing awareness of surroundings, especially under emotional stress.
"After his diagnosis, he fell into himself for weeks, barely speaking to anyone."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
A rare and fairly literary or psychological expression. More common in written or reflective speech than in casual conversation. Implies an involuntary or overwhelming withdrawal inward, often associated with grief, depression, or deep thought.
Commonly used with
grief thoughts silence depression meditation sadness
Forms
Base
fall into oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls into oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
fell into oneself
yesterday
Past participle
fallen into oneself
have + pp
-ing form
falling into oneself
continuous
Understand "fall into oneself" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "fall into oneself" on Looplines