fall flat

phrase

: to produce no response or result

the joke fell flat

Examples of fall flat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then there’s the dubious CGI, which falls flat compared with the practical stunt work and effects that gave the first three films so much of their tactile charm. — Frank Deruggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

And contrary to popular belief, not all of last year’s big premieres fell flat at the Lido. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

The resilient fill bounces back night after night, maintaining its shape without falling flat. — V Brand Stories, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

The habeas corpus action represented a last-ditch legal effort by Maxwell to secure her release after her appeals fell flat. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fall flat

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat