fall away
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle away
Meanings
Decrease in number or amount
Why “away”? Something slowly becomes weaker until it is gone.
“Crowds fell away after the loss.”
“Support fell away after the price rise.”
Don't confuse with
Fall away means decrease in number or amount. Fall back means move backwards quickly, often in retreat.
Test yourself
“Crowds fell away after the loss.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fall back
A contrast learners often mix up
Move backwards quickly, often in retreat; Use something as a backup when other options fail; Move into a position behind others
chip away
Same away pattern: fading
Gradually reduce something a little at a time
die away
Same away pattern: fading
Lose intensity until silent
drift away
Same away pattern: fading
Slip out of awareness slowly; Gradually become less close to someone
eat away
Same away pattern: fading
Gradually destroy something by erosion or worry
ebb away
Same away pattern: fading
Gradually weaken or recede
explain away
Same away pattern: fading
Give reasons that make a problem seem less serious
fade away
Same away pattern: fading
Gradually become less visible, audible or strong
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