Experiencing Failure

to proceed in a way that causes a bad outcome

I was trying to fix the leaky faucet, but then everything went pear-shaped and I ended up flooding the bathroom.

to fail or encounter difficulties at the beginning of a task or process, before any significant progress has been made

I was hoping to learn how to play the guitar, but I fell at the first fence when I realized how difficult it was to even hold the instrument correctly.

used to refer to something that was working or progressing well but suddenly stopped functioning or fell apart

The company's financial situation was looking stable, but when a major investor pulled out, the wheels came off and the company went bankrupt.

(of a joke, remark, event, etc.) to be completely unsuccessful in amusing people or having the desired effect

The comedian's joke fell flat and no one in the audience laughed.

to experience a complete failure or defeat, often accompanied by dramatic or disastrous consequences

On May 1st, the proposal went down in flames.

to suddenly fall down because of losing one's balance

The clumsy waiter was carrying a tray of drinks when he tripped and went ass over tip, spilling the drinks all over the customers.

to experience a sudden and significant decline, deterioration, or devaluation, often unexpectedly or rapidly

The company's financial situation was stable, but when a major client cancelled their contract, things went south quickly.

to malfunction or stop functioning properly

The car's engine started making strange noises, and then the dashboard lights went haywire and started flashing.

(of a company, organization, plan, etc.) to experience a complete failure

The bank had invested heavily in risky loans, which eventually caused it to go belly up.

an area of bruised skin surrounding the eye caused by a blow or injury

She accidentally walked into a door and ended up with a black eye.

to completely fail to be effective

The actor forgot his lines during the performance, causing the scene to fall to pieces and the audience to become confused.