"Fell flat face" is a phrase that means someone experienced humiliation or failure. The spelling of this phrase reflects the pronunciation of each word, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. "Fell" is spelled [fɛl], with the open-mid front unrounded vowel "ɛ" and the voiceless "f" sound. "Flat" is spelled [flæt], with the open front unrounded vowel "æ" and the voiceless "fl" consonant blend. "Face" is spelled [feɪs], with the diphthong "eɪ" and the voiced "s" sound. The spelling of each word accurately represents its sound in the phrase.
"Fell flat face" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an instance or situation when someone's attempt or effort fails dramatically or is met with a disappointing response. The phrase conveys the idea of disappointment or failure as if one's face has suddenly fallen to the ground, leading to a sense of embarrassment or defeat.
When something falls flat face, it means that the intended impact, impression, or desired outcome has not been achieved at all. It suggests a lack of success, usually characterized by a lack of reaction, indifference, or even negative responses from others. This failure can apply to various scenarios, such as failed jokes, unsuccessful speeches, underwhelming performances, or unimpressive attempts to convey a message.
The expression "fell flat face" underscores the idea of disappointment or anticlimax, emphasizing how the initial anticipation or expectation has been shattered abruptly. It also implies an element of awkwardness or embarrassment experienced by the person involved, as their efforts are met with silence, indifference, or criticism. The sense of failure is emphasized through the image of the face, as facial expressions often reflect one's emotions or judgments, and a fallen flat face signifies the letdown and defeat that result from an unsuccessful attempt.