LEAD BALLOON Meaning and
Definition
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Lead balloon refers to a metaphorical expression that signifies something, such as an idea, plan, or joke, that fails to make an impact or gain the desired response from others. The phrase implies that the proposal or notion falls flat or is received poorly, having minimal or zero effect on the intended audience. It is typically used to describe something that is met with indifference, disapproval, or a lack of enthusiasm.
The term "lead balloon" is derived from the fact that a regular balloon filled with lead rather than air would be heavy and unable to float due to the metal's density. Therefore, the phrase conveys the notion of an object that cannot fly or ascend but goes down instead. When applied metaphorically, a lead balloon describes a situation or concept that fails to resonate or generate the expected positive outcome.
Lead balloons commonly occur when an idea, communication, or attempt at humor lacks appeal, relevance, or effectiveness. The public may respond with silence, indifference, skepticism, or outright rejection. In such cases, the proposal or attempt is likened to a heavy, sinking object that neither rises nor captures any attention. The phrase "go down like a lead balloon" is often used to describe the unsuccessful result or reception of the subject in question, emphasizing its lack of popularity, impact, or success.
Common Misspellings for LEAD BALLOON
- kead balloon
- pead balloon
- oead balloon
- lwad balloon
- lsad balloon
- ldad balloon
- lrad balloon
- l4ad balloon
- l3ad balloon
- lezd balloon
- lesd balloon
- lewd balloon
- leqd balloon
- leas balloon
- leax balloon
- leac balloon
- leaf balloon
- lear balloon
- leae balloon
- lead valloon
Etymology of LEAD BALLOON
The etymology of the phrase "lead balloon" can be traced back to the mid-20th century and is believed to have originated in the United States. It is derived from the combination of two separate expressions - "lead" referring to the metal, and "balloon" referring to a floating air-filled object.
The term gained popularity due to its use as an analogy for something that fails or falls flat. The idea behind it is that a balloon made of lead, being a heavy and non-buoyant material, would inevitably fall to the ground instead of floating in the air. The phrase gradually entered common usage in the 1950s and has since become a popular idiom to describe an unsuccessful or unsuccessful venture or idea.
Idioms with the word LEAD BALLOON
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go over like a lead balloon
The idiom "go over like a lead balloon" means that something, such as a joke or an idea, is received poorly or is met with disapproval, indifference, or lack of interest from others. It implies that the effort or attempt was unsuccessful or met with a negative response.
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go down like a lead balloon
The idiom "go down like a lead balloon" means to be received or reacted to very poorly or unfavorably. It refers to an idea, suggestion, or statement that fails to resonate with others or is met with strong disapproval, disappointment, or lack of interest. The phrase suggests that the response or reception is extremely negative, similar to how a lead balloon would quickly fall to the ground instead of floating like a regular balloon.
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go down (or over) like a lead balloon
The idiom "go down (or over) like a lead balloon" is used to describe something that fails miserably or is poorly received by others. It refers to an idea, suggestion, or joke that is met with little or no enthusiasm, causing feelings of disappointment or embarrassment for the person delivering it.
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lead balloon
An idiom used to describe a plan, idea, or joke that fails miserably or is met with complete disapproval or lack of success.
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sink like a lead balloon, at sink like a stone
This idiom means to fail miserably or to be extremely unsuccessful. It suggests that something or someone is going down quickly and heavily, just like a heavy object sinking rapidly in water.
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