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."
inseparable
pall on
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
To become less interesting, enjoyable, or appealing to someone over time.
In plain English
Stop being fun or interesting after a while — become boring.
What does "pall on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
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.
Actually means
Stop being fun or interesting after a while — become boring.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "pall on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
novelty joke routine entertainment charm excitement
How to conjugate "pall on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "pall on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pall on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pall on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
become tedious grow stale lose its appeal lose its charm tire wear thin
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