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pall on

C1 formal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

Stop being fun or interesting after a while — become boring.

Literal meaning: A 'pall' is a dark covering (as over a coffin); for something to pall on you means it draws a shadow over your enjoyment — idiomatic.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic formal

To gradually lose its interest, excitement, or appeal for someone; to become boring or wearisome.

"The novelty of working from home began to pall on her after several months of isolation."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Literary and somewhat formal. Usually constructed as 'something palls on someone'. Derived from the noun 'pall' (a dark cloud or covering), suggesting something becomes shadowed or dimmed in one's estimation.

Commonly used with

novelty joke routine entertainment charm excitement

Forms

Base
pall on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
palls on
he/she/it
Past simple
palled on
yesterday
Past participle
palled on
have + pp
-ing form
palling on
continuous

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Synonyms

wear thin lose its appeal become tedious grow stale tire lose its charm

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