fall down on

To accidentally lose your balance or drop from above and land on someone or something.

• I fell down on the ice.
• He tripped and fell down on his back.
• The child fell down on the grass but wasn't hurt.

How to use it: fall down on something (She slipped and fell down on the wet floor.)

Similar words: fall onto

Common phrases: fall down on ice, fall down on something

To fail to do something properly or leave part of your work unfinished.

• He fell down on the job.
• Our service is good, but we fall down on delivery times.
• Where did the organizers fall down on their responsibilities?

How to use it: fall down on something (The team fell down on its customer service.)

Similar words: fail at, neglect

Opposites: succeed at

Common phrases: fall down on something, fall down on details

To lower yourself onto your knees or face, often to pray or show deep respect.

• She fell down on her knees.
• They fell down on their faces to pray.
• The visitor fell down on his knees before the king.

How to use it: fall down on one's knees/face (He fell down on his knees and begged for mercy.)

Similar words: kneel, prostrate oneself

Common phrases: fall down on knees, fall down on something

To collapse and leave broken parts on top of someone or something.

• The roof fell down on us.
• An old shed fell down on the garden tools.
• Could that damaged wall fall down on the road?

How to use it: fall down on someone/something (The old wall fell down on a parked car.)

Similar words: collapse onto

Common phrases: fall down on something, fall down on someone