lay an egg

phrase

Definition of lay an eggnext
1
as in trip
to make a mistake His book report was going perfectly until he laid an egg and got the main character's name wrong.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in collapse
to be unsuccessful The gymnast nailed perfect landings on her first two vaults but really laid an egg on the third.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay an egg
  1. drop the ball
  2. fall short
  3. fall flat
Phrase
  • Last year, the fair attracted almost 330,000 visitors — no sign that Sedalia is dropping the ball.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • With one out and one on, Romy Gonzalez hit a hard ground ball to shortstop Francisco Lindor, who dropped the ball before losing his footing completely and falling into the dirt.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026
Definition of drop the ball
Phrase
  • Wilson and Valerie Preston, who co-chairs the planter committee, said the results fell short.
    — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
  • If either Hecklinski or Brown struggles, Iowa’s 2026 team might look similar to past versions that were competitive but fell short of College Football Playoff contention without an upper-level quarterback.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of fall short
Phrase
  • Early mistakes, poorly attended initial events, or outreach strategies that fall flat may become part of a story about iteration and growth that shapes their personal statement or supplemental essays.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Without a well-fitting T-shirt or tank, an ensemble can fall flat or look unfinished.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2026
Definition of fall flat
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

layabouts
lay an egg
lay away
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lay an egg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20an%20egg. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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