fall apart
break into pieces
To break into separate parts, usually because something is old, weak, or damaged.
My old shoes are starting to fall apart after years of use.
"fall" — same verb, different meanings
Phrasal verbs built on "fall" — same verb, but the particle changes the meaning. Pick the one that fits.
fall
apart
fall apartTo break into separate parts, usually because something is old, weak, or damaged.My old shoes are starting to fall apart after years of use.
back on
fall back onto use something or someone as a backup option when your main plan or resource fails or is unavailable.If I can’t find a job in my field, I can always fall back on teaching.
behind
fall behindTo not make as much progress as others or as expected, so that you are behind in work, studies, payments, or other activities.If you miss too many classes, you might fall behind in your studies.
behind with
fall behind withto not do something as quickly as you should, so that you have more to do or owe than planned.After being sick for a week, I fell behind with my assignments.
for
fall forTo believe something that is not true, often because someone is trying to trick or deceive you.I can't believe I fell for that fake email and almost gave them my password.
out
fall outTo argue with someone and stop being friendly or close with them.I fell out with my best friend over something silly, and we haven't spoken in weeks.
through
fall throughIf something such as a plan or arrangement falls through, it does not happen as expected, usually because something goes wrong.Our holiday plans fell through when the airline canceled our flights.
fall back on
rely on as a backup
to use something or someone as a backup option when your main plan or resource fails or is unavailable.
If I can’t find a job in my field, I can always fall back on teaching.
fall behind
fail to keep up
To not make as much progress as others or as expected, so that you are behind in work, studies, payments, or other activities.
If you miss too many classes, you might fall behind in your studies.
fall behind with
not keep up with tasks, payments, or work
to not do something as quickly as you should, so that you have more to do or owe than planned.
After being sick for a week, I fell behind with my assignments.
fall for
be tricked
To believe something that is not true, often because someone is trying to trick or deceive you.
I can't believe I fell for that fake email and almost gave them my password.
fall out
have an argument and stop being friendly
To argue with someone and stop being friendly or close with them.
I fell out with my best friend over something silly, and we haven't spoken in weeks.
fall through
fail to happen
If something such as a plan or arrangement falls through, it does not happen as expected, usually because something goes wrong.
Our holiday plans fell through when the airline canceled our flights.