The spelling of the phrase "fell upon" may seem confusing at first, but it follows the standard English pronunciation rules. The word "fell" is pronounced /fɛl/, with the "e" pronounced like the "e" in "red". The "upon" is pronounced /əˈpɒn/, with the stress on the second syllable and the "o" pronounced like the "o" in "son". Together, the phrase is pronounced /fɛl əˈpɒn/. "Fell upon" means to happen suddenly and unexpectedly, or to attack aggressively.
The term "fell upon" is primarily used as a phrasal verb with multiple meanings.
In its literal sense, it refers to an action of physically descending or dropping suddenly onto something or someone with force or violence. It implies an abrupt or unexpected movement, often accompanied by a swift and forceful impact. For example, if heavy rain suddenly pours down, one might say, "The rain fell upon us, soaking us instantly."
In a figurative sense, "fell upon" describes an intense or sudden attack, aggression, or assault towards a person or an object. It connotes a swift and aggressive reaction or response, implying an overwhelming force or energy. For instance, if a group of protesters strongly criticized a political figure, it can be said that they "fell upon him with criticism."
Furthermore, "fell upon" can also express the idea of discovering or encountering something unexpectedly or by chance. It suggests stumbling upon or coming across something unexpectedly or emerging from a state of unawareness or ignorance. For instance, if someone accidentally finds a hidden treasure while digging in their backyard, they are said to have "fallen upon a treasure."
Overall, "fell upon" embodies various concepts, including abrupt physical movements, forceful impacts, sudden attacks or aggressions, as well as accidental discoveries or encounters. The exact meaning of "fell upon" depends on the context in which it is used.
The word "fell" in the phrase "fell upon" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "fællan", which means "to cause to fall" or "to strike down". The word "upon" has its origins in Old English and is derived from the preposition "on" combined with "up". It originally referred to the action of successfully reaching or coming into contact with something. When these two words are combined, "fell upon" signifies an action of falling, striking down, or coming into contact with something or someone.