go pear-shaped

G

go pear-shaped (idiom)
/ɡoʊ pɛr ʃeɪpt/

Meaning

• to go wrong or fail, especially suddenly and unexpectedly.
• to become disorganized or chaotic.
• to deteriorate or decline rapidly.
• to encounter problems after initial success.
• to deviate from the intended course and result in failure.

Example Sentences

1. The business plan looked promising, but it all went pear-shaped when the funding fell through.
2. Everything was fine during the event until the sound system malfunctioned and things went pear-shaped.
3. Their vacation plans went pear-shaped after they missed their flight.
4. The project started well but went pear-shaped due to miscommunication among the team members.
5. His attempt to fix the car went pear-shaped when he realized he didn’t have the right tools.
6. She had high hopes for the presentation, but it started to go pear-shaped when the projector failed.
7. Their investment strategy had initially seemed foolproof, but it had gone pear-shaped due to market fluctuations.

Origin and History

The phrase “go pear-shaped” is a curious idiom that has puzzled etymologists and language enthusiasts alike. Its exact origin remains somewhat obscure, with various theories attempting to explain its roots. This article delves into the available theories, historical context, and early printed records to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phrase’s evolution.

Royal Air Force (RAF) Slang

One of the most widely accepted theories is that “go pear-shaped” originated from Royal Air Force (RAF) slang in the 1940s or 1950s. According to this theory, the term described aircraft maneuvers or bomb trajectories that deviated from the intended course. When a pilot lost control or something went wrong, the resulting path or shape resembled a pear, rather than the intended precise or symmetrical path. This metaphorical use of the phrase to indicate a situation going wrong was then adopted into more general usage.

Glassblowing

Another plausible origin of the phrase comes from the craft of glassblowing. In glassblowing, maintaining a symmetrical and even shape is crucial. If the glassblower makes a mistake, the molten glass can easily take on an undesired pear shape, signifying that the work has gone wrong. This theory aligns with the phrase’s meaning of a situation deteriorating or failing to proceed as planned.

British English

Some linguists suggest that “go pear-shaped” is simply a product of British English colloquial speech. It may have emerged as a colorful way to describe failure or problems, without a specific professional or technical origin. The shape of a pear, being irregular and often less aesthetically pleasing compared to other fruits, could naturally lend itself to metaphorical use in describing something that has gone awry.

Culinary Origins

There is also a theory that the phrase might have culinary origins. In cooking, particularly in baking, achieving the perfect shape and texture is essential. If a cake or pastry collapses or doesn’t rise correctly, it might take on an unintended pear-like shape, symbolizing a culinary mishap. This theory, while less documented, fits within the broader context of describing failures.

Earliest Printed Records

The earliest printed record of the phrase “go pear-shaped” is somewhat challenging to pinpoint, as it appears to have entered common usage gradually. One of the first documented uses in print is found in British newspapers from the 1980s, often in the context of politics or sports. For example, a 1983 issue of the “Daily Telegraph” used the phrase to describe a political campaign that had taken a turn for the worse. This indicates that the phrase was already understood by the public by that time, suggesting its origins might date back several decades earlier. The text reads:

“The political campaign has gone pear-shaped, with supporters losing faith and resources dwindling.”

Comprehensive Analysis

While each theory provides a different lens through which to view the origin of “go pear-shaped,” they all converge on the central idea of deviation from the intended course resulting in a less-than-ideal outcome. Whether from the RAF, glassblowing, British colloquial speech, or culinary mishaps, the phrase encapsulates a universal concept of failure or unexpected problems.

Bottom Line

The phrase “go pear-shaped” serves as a vivid idiom that has permeated English-speaking cultures, particularly in the UK. Its precise origins may be multifaceted, reflecting contributions from various fields and experiences. By examining the theories from the RAF, glassblowing, British English colloquialism, and culinary arts, we gain a richer understanding of how language evolves to capture the complexities of human experience.

Synonyms

1. go awry
2. fall apart
3. go south
4. go wrong
5. fall through

Variants

• turn pear-shaped
• went pear-shaped

Failure, Fruits