fall out

F

fall out (idiom/noun)
(fɔl aʊt)

The idiomatic expression “fall out”, often meaning a quarrel or disagreement that disrupts a relationship, has evolved from literal to figurative use. It also has variants — fallout, falling-out, and fall-out — with meanings ranging from consequences to radioactive debris.

Variants

• fallout
• falling-out
• fall-out

Meanings

• To have a disagreement or quarrel with someone and stop being friendly. (fall out, falling-out)
• To happen or occur as a result. (fall out)
• (Military) To leave one’s place in a formation or ranks. (fall out)
• To drop or come loose from a position. (fall out)
• The unpleasant consequences or aftereffects of an event or action. (fallout, fall-out)
• Radioactive particles that descend through the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion. (fallout, fall-out)
• A quarrel or disagreement that damages a relationship. (falling-out)

Synonyms: quarrel; argue; disagree; row; clash; squabble; feud; bicker; happen; occur; result; befall; transpire; consequence; aftereffect; repercussion; outcome; ramification; dispute; rift; conflict.

Example Sentences

1. They fell out over money and haven’t spoken since.
2. Whatever falls out, we’ll handle it together.
3. The soldiers were ordered to fall out after the drill.
4. Her hair started to fall out due to stress.
5. The scandal’s fallout damaged his career.
6. The nuclear test caused widespread fallout.
7. Their falling-out was over a trivial matter.
8. The political fall-out from the decision was severe.

Origin and History

The roots of “fall out” trace back to Old English components, where “fall” derives from words meaning to descend or drop, and “out” indicates separation or removal. In its literal sense, the phrase appeared by the mid-13th century, referring to something dropping or emerging from a position. Over time, this evolved into figurative applications, with the sense of quarreling emerging as a metaphorical departure from agreement or alliance. The addition of “with” in “fall out with” specifically highlights conflict directed at another person, marking a key phrasal variation.

Theories and Beliefs on Origin

One prominent theory posits that “fall out” as an idiom for quarreling stems from a metaphorical extension of its literal meaning, where individuals “fall out” of a state of harmony or mutual understanding, much like objects falling from containment. This view emphasizes a natural linguistic progression from physical separation to emotional discord.

Another belief links it to military contexts, suggesting that “falling out” of ranks—implying a break in discipline—could analogize to relational breakdowns, though this is contested due to chronological inconsistencies.

Some hold that the idiom originated from descriptions of physical altercations or duels in the early 16th century, where “falling out” described combatants disengaging or clashing violently. Additionally, there is speculation that it relates to relaxing discipline, leading to disputes, though evidence for this is anecdotal.

These theories collectively illustrate the idiom’s adaptability, drawing from everyday experiences of disruption and conflict.

Country of Origin

The phrase “fall out” in its idiomatic sense of quarreling is believed to have first appeared in England, aligning with the development of Middle English into Early Modern English during a period of linguistic standardization. This origin reflects the cultural and social dynamics of late medieval and Renaissance England, where expressions of interpersonal discord were increasingly documented in literature and discourse.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest attested use of “fall out” in the sense of quarreling dates to the 1560s, with the variant “fall out with,” meaning to quarrel specifically with someone, recorded from the late 15th century. While specific textual examples from this era are not universally cited, these attestations appear in historical linguistic compilations, indicating the idiom’s integration into English by the Tudor period.

Phrasal Verbs

Last update: August 12, 2025 11:40 AM