Fall on your face Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To literally hit the ground with your face; more commonly, to fail badly at something, often in an embarrassing or obvious way.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often humorous or self-deprecating. The idiom is much more common than the literal meaning. Used for both physical mishaps and major failures in tasks or presentations. Often used with 'just' or 'totally' for emphasis ('totally fell on my face'). Not to be confused with 'fall flat' (less dramatic).
Example Sentences
He tried to skate and fell on his face.
basic
I don't want to fall on my face in front of everyone.
basic
The plan sounded good, but it fell on its face.
basic
He tried to be funny at the meeting but just fell on his face.
natural
If you never take risks, you won’t ever fall on your face, but you won’t win either.
natural
She launched her new business and unfortunately fell right on her face in the first month.
natural