Pronunciation: [fˈɔːlz dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA) 
The phrase "falls down" is pronounced as /fɒlz daʊn/. The first syllable "falls" starts with an "f" sound, followed by an "o" sound as in "odd", and then a "l" sound. The second syllable "down" starts with a "d" sound, followed by an "aʊ" sound as in "ouch", and then an "n" sound. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, using the regular spelling of its component words "falls" and "down."
The phrase "falls down" is primarily an idiomatic expression that can have multiple dictionary definitions depending on the context it is used in. In a literal sense, "falls down" refers to the act of descending or dropping to a lower position due to gravity. For example, a person might slip and "fall down" a flight of stairs, resulting in their abrupt descent to a lower level. Moreover, "falls down" can also describe physical objects collapsing or toppling from an upright position. This can be observed when a tower of blocks "falls down" after being knocked over.
In a figurative sense, "falls down" commonly implies failure or weakness. It denotes situations where a person, organization, or system does not meet expectations or faces a decline in performance. For example, if a company's profits significantly decrease, it can be said that their financial performance "falls down." Additionally, the phrase can describe the act of stumbling or making mistakes in speech or actions. For instance, during a public speaking event, if someone forgets their lines or loses their train of thought, they might say they "fell down" while speaking.
Overall, "falls down" encompasses both literal and metaphorical meanings, highlighting a physical descent or collapse as well as failure or mistakes in different aspects of life.
The phrase "falls down" doesn't have a distinct etymology since it is a combination of two common English words.
The word "falls" is the third person singular form of the verb "fall", which originated from the Old English word "feallan". The Old English word evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "fallaną" and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "pel" meaning "to fall".
The word "down" is an adverb that denotes movement from a higher to a lower position. It comes from the Old English word "dūne", which is related to the Proto-Germanic word "dūnaz" and can be traced back further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*dʰewh₂" meaning "to fly, rush".
