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

Ohioans are getting bombarded with Republican ads on tax cuts, but the message is falling flat with many voters who feel the weight of higher prices. — Jarrell Dillard, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2026

In its uncertain tonality and zany humor that falls flat, that’s the Waititi film that Klara and the Sun most resembles. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026

This season has been pockmarked by teams winning big games and falling flat the next; Indiana has to go to Michigan next week to try and buck that trend. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

The bullpens battled to a scoreless draw, the Dodgers’ last stand falling flat after Tucker and pinch-hitting rookie Josue De Paula drew a pair of two-out walks against Brewers closer Trevor Megill. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 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