fall for
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle for
Meanings
Believe a lie or trick and be deceived
Why “for”? A person accepts something they would normally reject: a worse choice, bad behaviour, or a false story.
“Do not fall for that trick.”
“I fell for the fake message.”
Begin to love someone in a romantic way
Why “for”? A person begins to feel strong romantic love for someone.
“She fell for her best friend.”
“He fell for Maya during their first trip.”
Test yourself
“Do not fall for that trick.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
settle for
Same for pattern: accepting
Accept less than you wanted because the better choice is unavailable
stand for
Same for pattern: accepting
Represent or mean something; Accept behaviour that you dislike, usually in a negative statement
fall apart
Same base verb: fall
Break into separate pieces because something is broken; Become unable to cope emotionally; (of a relationship, plan or system) Collapse
fall away
Same base verb: fall
Decrease in number or amount
fall back
Same base verb: fall
Move backwards quickly, often in retreat; Use something as a backup when other options fail; Move into a position behind others
fall behind
Same base verb: fall
Fail to keep pace or make progress as quickly as others; Of a payment, become late or owed
fall down
Same base verb: fall
Drop to the ground from an upright position; (of a plan or argument) fail because of a weakness
fall in
Same base verb: fall
Collapse inward
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