fall on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Attack someone fiercely
Why “on”? An action is directed onto a person, thing or weakness as its target.
“The guards fell on the attacker before he reached the door.”
“The two boxers fell on each other when the bell rang.”
Don't confuse with
Fall on means attack someone fiercely. Fall in means collapse inward.
Test yourself
“The guards fell on the attacker before he reached the door.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fall in
A contrast learners often mix up
Collapse inward
call on
Same on pattern: target
Ask someone to do something formally
cheat on
Same on pattern: target
Be unfaithful to a partner
come on
Same on pattern: target
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; Be broadcast on television or radio
dote on
Same on pattern: target
Show extreme affection toward someone
feast on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a large amount of a particular food with enjoyment
feed on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a particular food regularly
frown on
Same on pattern: target
Disapprove of something
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