fall out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Have an argument and stop being friends
Why “out”? People argue and stop being friendly.
“They fell out over money.”
“The sisters fell out over the house.”
Don't confuse with
Fall out means argue and stop being friends. Fall off means become lower in number or quality.
Test yourself
“They fell out over money.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fall off
A contrast learners often mix up
Decrease in number, level or quality
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 for
Same base verb: fall
Believe a lie or trick and be deceived; Begin to love someone in a romantic way
fall in
Same base verb: fall
Collapse inward
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “fall out”.
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