fall out: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "fall out" has a few different meanings and uses in American English. Let's explore them step-by-step.

First, "fall out" can mean to have an argument or disagreement with someone. It's often used to describe a situation where two or more people have a falling out and are no longer on good terms. For example, one might say, "They used to be best friends, but they had a falling out over a business deal."

Another meaning of "fall out" is to result or happen as a consequence. This usage is often seen in the context of plans or events. For instance, someone might say, "We had to cancel the picnic because it started raining – things just fell out that way."

"Fall out" can also mean to lose hair or have hair become detached from the scalp. This usage is commonly associated with the natural process of hair loss. For example, someone might say, "My grandfather is getting older and his hair is starting to fall out."

In a military context, "fall out" is a command given to soldiers to separate or disperse. It's used to indicate that the soldiers can relax or leave their positions. For instance, a sergeant might say, "You can fall out and take a break now."

As with many idioms, the exact origins and evolution of "fall out" are difficult to trace. It's likely that the idiom developed over time through common usage and its various meanings emerged through contextual adaptation. While the idiom's meaning and usage may have changed slightly over the years, it continues to be widely used in American English.

Overall, the idiom "fall out" is a versatile phrase with several different meanings and uses in American English. Whether referring to arguments between people, consequences of events, hair loss, or military commands, this idiom has become deeply ingrained in the language. Its origins may be uncertain, but its continued prominence in everyday speech demonstrates its enduring presence in American idiomatic language.

Let's briefly touch on a few related idioms. One related idiom is "falling out." This phrase is often used to describe a situation where two or more people have had a falling out and are no longer on good terms. For example, someone might say, "Their falling out over a misunderstanding caused their friendship to dissolve."

Another related idiom is "fall foul." This expression is typically used when someone runs afoul of something or someone, meaning they have come into conflict or had a disagreement. For instance, someone might say, "He fell foul of the law after breaking into a house."

A third related idiom is "the bottom fell out." This phrase is often used to describe a sudden and unexpected collapse or failure. It can be applied to various situations, such as in business or personal endeavors. For example, someone might say, "When the company lost its biggest client, the bottom fell out of their profits."