fall behind
FAWL bee-HYND
/fɔːl bɪˈhaɪnd/
To fail to keep level with another or others in a race, competition, or sequence of events.
Often implies a lack of progress or failing to meet a deadline.
The story behind the word. The combination of 'fall' (to drop) and 'behind' (at the back) creates the image of someone losing their grip on the group's pace and dropping to the rear.
Word relationships
- lag: Lag often implies a technical delay or a slower physical pace.
- trail: Trail implies being at the back of a group, often by a significant distance.
- keep up: Keep up is the direct opposite—maintaining the pace.
- lead: Leading is being ahead of the others.
Commonly confused with
- fall through: Fall through means a plan has failed to happen.
Collocations
- fall behind schedule
- fall behind in school
- fall behind on rent
Example sentences
- "If you miss too many classes, you will quickly fall behind in your studies." Academic struggles.
- "He began to fall behind on his mortgage payments after losing his job." Financial debt.
Memory hook
Imagine a group of hikers; if you stop to tie your shoe, you 'fall' to the 'behind' position. Fall behind, lose your line.
When not to use
Don't use it for physically falling on the ground; that's just 'fall'.
Fun facts
- In the 19th century, 'fall behind' was often used in military drills to describe soldiers losing their formation.
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