fall under
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle under
Meanings
Drop below an expected standard or value
Why “under”? The amount is below the needed level.
“Sales fell under target.”
“Her score fell under the pass mark.”
Belong to a particular category
Why “under”? Something is under a rule, group, burden, or close check. It works inside that pressure.
“This case falls under family law.”
“These expenses fall under travel costs.”
Don't confuse with
Fall under means drop below an expected standard or value. Fall behind means fail to keep pace with others.
Test yourself
“Sales fell under target.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fall behind
A contrast learners often mix up
Fail to keep pace with others; Of an item, be left forgotten or detached from a group; Of a payment, become late or owed
come in under
Same under pattern: not enough
Finish or arrive below a specified value
come under
Same under pattern: under control
Be subjected to a particular force or scrutiny
labour under
Same under pattern: under control
Be hampered by a wrong belief or burden
operate under
Same under pattern: under control
Function according to a particular condition or rule
run under
Same under pattern: not enough
Spend less than the planned amount
stay under
Same under pattern: not enough
Remain below a specified limit
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
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