Fall for

Meaning

The idiom "fall for" means to be attracted or drawn towards something, especially someone, to the point of becoming infatuated or emotionally involved. It can also mean to be tricked or deceived by something or someone, often unintentionally.

Usage

• I fell for her immediately when I saw her smile.
• He always falls for the latest gadgets and technology.
• I fell for the scam and lost a lot of money.
• She fell for the charm of the salesman and bought a car she couldn't afford.
• The news about the pandemic has caused me to fall for the conspiracy theories circulating online.

Roots and History

The idiom "fall for" is believed to have originated from the early 19th century, when people would say "fall for a heart" if they were attracted or infatuated with someone. Over time, the meaning of the idiom evolved to include being drawn towards something or someone, regardless of whether it was romantic or not. The phrase "fall for" has become more commonly used in contemporary language and is now widely understood in different parts of the world.

Synonyms in English

• Fall for - Be attracted to/be infatuated with
• Have a crush on - Feel strong affection towards someone
• Develop feelings for - Become emotionally involved with someone or something
• Go weak at the knees - Become physically attracted to someone
• Be smitten - To be enchanted or charmed by someone

Synonyms in other languages

• French: ôter la tête (to fall in love)
• Spanish: caer enamorado/a (to fall in love)
• German: verliebt sein/werden (to be in love/to fall in love)
• Italian: innamorarsi/a (to fall in love)
• Portuguese: se apaixonar (to fall in love)

Similar Idioms

• for a while

• full of beans

• love of life