Fall out

Meaning

The idiom "fall out" generally means to disagree or argue about something, often to the point of becoming angry or upset. It can also refer to a sudden end or change in a situation.

Usage

• The siblings fell out over who would get to use the family car on their weekend trip.
• The company's profits fell out after they introduced a new product that didn't meet expectations.
• My friends and I fell out when I accidentally spilled wine on someone's shirt.
• After years of being close, my best friend and I fell out because we both started dating the same person.
• The city council fell out over how to allocate funding for a new park.

Roots and History

The idiom "fall out" has been in use since at least the 16th century. It comes from Old English, where it meant to fight or quarrel. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has broadened to include any disagreement or conflict, regardless of whether it involves physical fighting.

Synonyms in English

• Disagree
• Argue
• Quarrel
• Fight
• Split up

Synonyms in other languages

• French: éclater (to explode)
• German: streiten (to fight)
• Spanish: pelearse (to argue)
• Italian: litigare (to argue)
• Portuguese: brigar (to fight)

Similar Idioms

• chink in the armour

• as well as

• the best of both worlds