fall in

To break and collapse towards the inside of a space.

• The roof might fall in.
• Part of the tunnel fell in after the earthquake.
• The old ceiling has fallen in above the stairs.

Similar words: cave in, collapse

Common phrases: roof fall in, ceiling fall in

If soldiers do this, they stand in their ordered places in a line or group.

• The sergeant ordered us to fall in.
• The soldiers fell in for the morning parade.
• Fall in behind the first row and stand still.

How to use it: fall in behind someone (The recruits fell in behind their sergeant.)

Similar words: form up, line up

Opposites: fall out

Common phrases: fall in quickly, fall in outside, soldiers fall in

To move into a particular place among or beside other people or things.

• She fell in beside me.
• A taxi fell in behind the bus.
• The children fell in behind their teacher as she walked away.

How to use it: fall in behind/beside someone/something (A blue car fell in behind our van.)

Similar words: take a position, join

Common phrases: fall in behind, fall in beside

An agreement or payment ends because its period is over or a condition has changed.

• The lease will fall in next year.
• Her annuity fell in when she died.
• Several old agreements had fallen in by then.

Similar words: expire, lapse, end

Opposites: begin

Common phrases: annuity fall in, lease fall in

An arrangement or right starts to have an effect or become available.

• The new rights fall in next month.
• His entitlement fell in after the agreed date.
• The arrangement will fall in when the old lease ends.

Similar words: take effect, become effective

Opposites: expire

Common phrases: rights fall in, agreement fall in