fall for
fall for (phrasal verb)
/ˈfɔl fɚ/
Meaning
- Become romantically attracted or emotionally attached to someone.
- Be deceived or tricked by something or someone.
- Feel admiration or affection for an idea, thing, or experience.
Example Sentences
- He fell for his coworker the moment he met her.
- Don’t fall for that scam email asking for your password.
- She quickly fell for the charm of the old town.
Synonyms: love; admire; adore; believe; trust; succumb; swoon; accept.
Origin and History
The Earliest Printed Record
The earliest known printed record of “fall for” appears to be from the mid-19th century. One of the earliest examples can be found in American literature. For instance, it is used in a somewhat similar sense in the work The Flush Times of Alabama and Mississippi by Joseph G. Baldwin, published in 1853. In this context, it often referred to falling for a trick or deception, laying the groundwork for its broader romantic meaning.
Understanding “Fall For”: A Journey Through Theories
The idiom “fall for” carries a dual meaning today: to be tricked or deceived, and to fall in love. The theories surrounding its origin often intertwine these two senses, suggesting a fascinating evolution of language.
Theory 1: The Trap or Trick Origin
One prominent theory suggests that “fall for” originated from the literal act of falling into a trap.
Falling into a Snare
Imagine a hunter setting a snare. An unsuspecting animal might “fall for” the bait, literally dropping into the trap. This imagery easily translates to being tricked or deceived. If someone “falls for” a scam, they have, in essence, walked right into a carefully laid trap of deceit. This theory aligns well with the earlier uses of the phrase, which often pertained to being duped or fooled.
The Lure of Deception
The idea of a “lure” or “bait” being used to trick someone into a disadvantageous situation strongly supports this theory. When someone is deceived, they are often attracted by something seemingly appealing, only to find themselves in a difficult position, much like an animal drawn by bait.
Theory 2: The Suddenness of Emotion
Another compelling theory links “fall for” to the sudden and often uncontrollable nature of emotions, particularly love.
The Unplanned Descent
Consider the physical act of falling. It is usually sudden, unplanned, and can often lead to a loss of control. This can be a powerful metaphor for falling in love. When someone “falls for” another person, it often happens unexpectedly, without conscious decision, and can feel like a surrender to an overwhelming emotion. The heart, much like a body losing its balance, suddenly succumbs.
The Weight of Affection
This theory also subtly suggests the “weight” of affection. Just as gravity pulls us down, the intense feeling of love can feel like an irresistible force, drawing one person towards another. The “fall” then represents the yielding to this powerful attraction.
Theory 3: The Theatrical Connection
A less commonly discussed theory proposes a connection to theatre and performance.
The Actor’s Performance
In acting, an actor might “fall for” a dramatic cue or a specific stage direction. This implies reacting directly and completely to a given stimulus within a performance. Applied to social interaction, someone might “fall for” another person’s charm or carefully constructed persona, much like an audience member being drawn into a performance.
Playing a Part
This theory suggests a subtle element of being drawn into a role or a script, even if an unconscious one. When someone “falls for” a trick, they are essentially playing the part of the dupe, following the script laid out by the deceiver. Similarly, in romance, one might “fall for” the role another person presents, or the romantic “script” they are creating.
Theory 4: The Evolution of “Falling” Phrases
It is also possible that “fall for” is an evolution of other existing phrases involving the word “fall,” which already carried connotations of succumbing or yielding.
Falling Prey
Phrases like “fall prey to” or “fall victim to” were already in use, signifying being overcome or adversely affected by something. “Fall for” could have naturally emerged as a more generalized way to express succumbing to a trick, an emotion, or a person’s charms. The “for” simply specifies what one is succumbing to.
Falling into a State
English has many expressions where “fall” signifies entering a particular state, such as “fall asleep” or “fall ill.” In this context, “fall for” could imply “falling into a state of believing” (a trick) or “falling into a state of love.”
Similar Idioms
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