[take] a tumble
1
to experience a sudden setback, failure, or decline
- After a strong start, the company took a tumble in the stock market due to unexpected losses.
- She was at the top of her class, but her grades took a tumble when she started missing classes.
- The team had a promising season until their star player took a tumble and suffered a season-ending injury.
- The politician's popularity took a tumble after a series of scandals were revealed.
- The project was going well until a critical mistake caused it to take a tumble.
2
to accidentally fall or stumble, often resulting in a sudden loss of balance
- She took a tumble down the stairs.