Fall between the cracks

Meaning

The idiom "to fall between the cracks" means to fail to notice or pay attention to something important, often because it is hidden from view or difficult to detect. It can also mean to become lost in a system or situation and not receive the necessary help or support.

Usage

• The new employee fell between the cracks and was never properly trained, leading to mistakes on the job.
• The patient's symptoms were ignored by the doctor, who failed to notice them until they had worsened.
• After the meeting, important details were left out of the minutes, and they fell between the cracks.
• The company's marketing strategy fell between the cracks, and sales declined as a result.
• The student's performance slipped through the cracks and went unnoticed until it was too late to intervene.

Roots and History

The idiom "to fall between the cracks" dates back to at least the 14th century, where it was used in a literal sense to describe objects or people that fell through gaps or crevices. The figurative meaning of the phrase emerged in the 20th century and has been used since then to describe situations where something important is overlooked or ignored.

Synonyms in English

• Slip under the radar
• Go unnoticed
• Fall through the cracks
• Get lost in the system
• Miss the boat

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Chuter dans les crevasses (to fall into the crevices)
• Spanish: Caer en las grietas (to fall into the cracks)
• German: In den Schallungen fallen (to fall into the gaps)
• Italian: Cadere tra le fessure (to fall between the cracks)
• Chinese: 逃脱漏洞 (to escape the holes)

Similar Idioms

• snow job

• cut somebody some slack

• the best is yet to come