The phrase "falls through" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /fɔlz θru/. The first word, "falls," is pronounced with an open o sound, followed by a voiced alveolar alveolar laterals /l/. The second word, "through," features a voiceless dental fricative /θ/ and a voiced postalveolar fricative /r/. Together, these sounds create a smooth flow and provide a clear understanding of the meaning of the phrase, which refers to something that fails or does not materialize.
"Falls through" is a phrasal verb that primarily refers to a plan, agreement, or arrangement failing to materialize or become successful as intended. When something "falls through," it means that a proposed course of action or project has not been completed, executed, or achieved as originally planned, resulting in a failure or disappointment.
The term often indicates a situation where initial expectations, commitments, or promises have not been met or fulfilled, resulting in the abandonment or cancellation of a particular initiative. It implies the collapse or breakdown of an intended action, causing an outcome that diverges from the desired or anticipated result.
When a plan falls through, it generally implies the occurrence of unexpected circumstances, hurdles, or obstacles that prevent the successful execution or realization of the plan. This failure can be caused by a variety of factors, such as financial constraints, lack of resources, unforeseen complications, scheduling conflicts, or personal disagreements.
To summarize, "falls through" describes the failure or breakdown of a plan, agreement, or arrangement, leading to its unsuccessful completion or realization. It conveys the idea that something did not come to fruition as originally intended or expected, resulting in disappointment or frustration.
The phrase "falls through" has an etymology that can be broken down into two parts: "fall" and "through".
- "Fall": The word "fall" originated from the Old English word "feallan", which means "to descend by the force of gravity" or "to drop from a higher to a lower place". Over time, the word evolved into its current form, retaining its primary meaning of descending, dropping, or collapsing.
- "Through": The word "through" originates from the Old English word "þurh" or "thurh". It signifies the concept of moving in one side and out the other side of an object or passing from one point to another.
When combined, the phrase "falls through" refers to something or someone failing to meet expected outcomes, not succeeding, or not being completed as planned.