fall to
C1 formal inseparable both
In simple words
To suddenly start doing something, or to be something that a particular person must do.
Literal meaning: To fall downward toward something — descending upon a task or responsibility.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
To become the responsibility or duty of a particular person.
"With the director on sick leave, it fell to his deputy to address the crisis."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
To begin doing something with energy or gusto (archaic/literary).
"Hungry after the long journey, the travelers fell to eating without a word."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Both senses are somewhat formal or literary in modern usage. The 'begin energetically' sense ('they fell to eating') is largely archaic. The 'be someone's responsibility' sense ('it falls to me to') is still current in formal written English. Often seen in news and official contexts.
Commonly used with
task duty responsibility eating fighting work me us
Forms
Base
fall to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls to
he/she/it
Past simple
fell to
yesterday
Past participle
fallen to
have + pp
-ing form
falling to
continuous
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Synonyms
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