fall through
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
When a plan or deal does not happen the way it was supposed to.
Literal meaning: To fall through a surface — passing all the way through without stopping, implying nothing holds it up.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
Of a plan, agreement, or deal: to fail completely and not be realized.
"The property sale fell through at the last minute when the buyer couldn't secure a mortgage."
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral
Literally, to fall through a physical surface or opening.
"The ice was too thin and his foot fell through into the freezing water below."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Extremely common in business, legal, and everyday contexts. Usually used with plans, deals, sales, arrangements, or negotiations. Always implies complete failure rather than partial setback. No object — always intransitive.
Commonly used with
deal plan sale arrangement merger negotiations purchase
Forms
Base
fall through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls through
he/she/it
Past simple
fell through
yesterday
Past participle
fallen through
have + pp
-ing form
falling through
continuous
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Synonyms
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