COME CROPPER Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "come cropper" is an idiomatic expression that refers to experiencing a sudden and often dramatic failure, setback, or misfortune. Its origin can be traced back to the early 17th century, where it emerged as a British sporting term related to horse riding.
In horse riding, a "cropper" referred to a sudden fall or tumble from a horse, often caused by a horse stumbling or tripping. This unexpected loss of balance would result in the rider abruptly landing on the ground. Over time, the term "come cropper" began to be figuratively used to describe a person experiencing an equally unexpected and forceful fall, but from a position of success or confidence.
Today, "come cropper" carries the connotation of falling flat on one's face, encountering a major setback, or suffering a humiliating defeat. It implies a rapid descent from a promising or advantageous position to a state of embarrassment, disappointment, or failure.
The phrase is commonly used in informal conversations and informal writing to describe situations where individuals or plans fail to achieve the desired outcome due to unforeseen circumstances or unfortunate events. It captures the essence of an abrupt and unanticipated downfall, often carrying a sense of shock, surprise, or disappointment.
Common Misspellings for COME CROPPER
- xome cropper
- vome cropper
- fome cropper
- dome cropper
- cime cropper
- ckme cropper
- clme cropper
- cpme cropper
- c0me cropper
- c9me cropper
- cone cropper
- coke cropper
- coje cropper
- comw cropper
- coms cropper
- comd cropper
- comr cropper
- com4 cropper
- com3 cropper
- come xropper
- comecropper
Etymology of COME CROPPER
The phrase "come cropper" is an idiomatic expression derived from two separate words.
The word "come" in this context is used as a verb indicating the act of arriving or reaching a particular place or situation. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "cuman", which means "to move towards" or "to approach". Over time, "cuman" evolved into "come" in Middle English.
The word "cropper" refers to a sudden fall or a headlong dive. It can be traced back to the Old English word "croppian", which means "to knock someone or something down". This evolved into "cropper" in Middle English and was used to describe the act of falling or falling headfirst.
When these two words are combined, "come cropper" is used as a phrase to describe someone experiencing a sudden and dramatic fall or failure.
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