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."
inseparable
fall through
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
Of a plan, deal, or arrangement: to fail to happen or be completed.
In plain English
When a plan or deal does not happen the way it was supposed to.
What does "fall through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fall through a surface — passing all the way through without stopping, implying nothing holds it up.
Actually means
When a plan or deal does not happen the way it was supposed to.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "fall through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
deal plan sale arrangement merger negotiations purchase
How to conjugate "fall through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "fall through" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fall through"
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