laying an egg

phrase

present participle of lay an egg
1
as in fumbling
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

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2
as in collapsing
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 laying an egg
  1. dropping the ball
  2. falling short
  3. falling flat
Phrase
  • Lawmakers were appalled at the US seemingly dropping the ball on coming to Ukraine’s aid.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But Blakeman accused Hochul of dropping the ball on bringing justice for the shocking 2024 attack.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of dropping the ball
Phrase
  • Wells Fargo Wells Fargo reported a mixed quarter Tuesday, beating earnings estimates but falling short on revenue.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Blue Jays were about to go on a magical run that would come within inches of a title, ultimately falling short in an all-time classic of a World Series.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of falling short
Phrase
  • 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
  • The resilient fill bounces back night after night, maintaining its shape without falling flat.
    — V BRAND STORIES, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of falling 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

laying
laying an egg
laying away
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Cite this Entry

“Laying an egg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laying%20an%20egg. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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