fail

day in, day out, every day without fail

A phrase used to describe something that happens routinely or regularly. Day in, day out, every day without fail, I pass that same woman walking her dog. My mom started driving us to school because we would miss the bus day in, day out, every day without fail.

epic fail

An especially big or embarrassing blunder. I can't believe I called the CEO by the wrong name! What an epic fail. I tried to bake a cake for my sister's birthday, but I accidentally used salt instead of sugar. Epic fail.

fail

1. An exclamation, perhaps of annoyance or frustration, when something has gone wrong. I called him Mark, but apparently his name is Steven. Ugh, fail! I tried to bake a cake for my sister's birthday, but I accidentally used salt instead of sugar. Fail.

2. noun A mistake or blunder. Something that has gone wrong. I called him Mark, but apparently his name is Steven! What a fail. I tried to bake a cake for my sister's birthday, but I accidentally used salt instead of sugar, and it was a big fail.

fail (someone) on (something)

To give someone a failing grade on a school assignment. You clearly put zero effort into this essay—that's why I failed you on it.

fail at life

slang To fail in a way that is exaggeratedly likened to one's entire life being a failure. I can't believe I blew my audition! Ugh, I fail at life. I overheard you struggling to ask Kim to the prom, and, yeah, you fail at life, dude.

fail in (something)

1. To not have high enough grades to pass a particular class. My parents got my report card and grounded me because I'm failing in two classes.

2. To not award a student a passing grade in a particular class. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "fail" and "in." I failed you in biology because you missed so many classes this semester.

3. To not be successful in an attempt to do something. So far, I've failed in my efforts to find an internship for the summer.

fail of success

To not reach a goal or accomplishment. I know you worked hard on the fundraiser, so I'm really sorry to hear that you failed of success. After not making the team last year, I'm really hoping I don't fail of success this time around.

fail out

To have to leave a school or university because one does not have passing grades. One B won't kill you—it's not like you're going to fail out of college or something.

fail over

In a computer system, to switch automatically to a spare, backup, or alternative component when another one fails. We've put new protocols in place to ensure that the computer will fail over to functioning memory blocks in the event of a critical error.

fail the smell test

To be morally questionable, unacceptable, or untrustworthy. The new pro-drilling bill that's being put through Congress certainly fails the smell test, and many are suspicious that Big Oil has been responsible for its inception.

fail to see

To be incapable of understanding or unwilling to accept something. Mary, I fail to see what your fear of spiders has to do with your unwillingness to go on this trip. Congressman, I fail to see how your opponent, as you claim, is in any way responsible for the economic slump in your state.

fall at the final hurdle

To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very end of the attempt. Negotiations between the two warring countries fell at the final hurdle due to disagreements over cross-border taxation.

fall at the first hurdle

To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very beginning of the attempt. John had his business plan all laid out, but he fell at the first hurdle when the bank refused to grant him a loan.

fall at the last hurdle

To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very end of the attempt. Negotiations between the two warring countries fell at the last hurdle due to disagreements over cross-border taxation.

he who fails to prepare prepares to fail

proverb When there is a lack of adequate preparation, failure becomes more likely. Your test is on Friday, but I highly suggest you start studying for it now. He who fails to prepare prepares to fail. Of course I made an itinerary for our trip—how else would we fit everything in? He who fails to prepare prepares to fail.

if all else fails

If all other options and plans are unsuccessful. The phrase is used to indicate what the last resort will be. If all else fails, we can always order pizza. A: "Will we have to do it manually?" B: "Only if all else fails."

never fails

Is always effective; always does what's desired or intended. If none of these things resolve the issue, turning your computer on and off again never fails. I'm telling you, drink this—it never fails to get rid of a hangover.

red-face test

A hypothetical test meant to measure whether or not some question or thing provokes discernible embarrassment, discomfiture, or displeasure in a person. The old red-face test is a simple but subtle way of telling which employees are the most honest and work the hardest. Well, my proposal didn't pass the red-face test with the boss. I guess we can kiss that idea goodbye.

without fail

Said of something that happens regularly and predictably with no deviations. I have passed the same woman walking her dog every day without fail for five years—but today she wasn't there. I'm really worried about her!

See also: fail, without

words fail me

I'm unable to articulate or express myself because I'm too surprised, upset, or intensely emotional. I wish I could convey how much it means to me having you all here, but words fail me at the moment. And to think that you would risk your whole future by drinking and then getting behind the wheel of a car—well, words fail me!

See also: fail, word

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

fail in something

to have not earned passing or satisfactory grades in some school subject. George is failing in geometry. I hope I do not fail in math.

fail someone on something

to give someone an unsatisfactory grade on an assignment or test. She failed us all on the math assignment. The teacher failed half the class on the assignment.

something never fails

a particular thing always works. My old folk remedy for hiccups never fails.

without fail

for certain; absolutely. I'll be there at noon without fail. The plane leaves on time every day without fail.

See also: fail, without

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

without fail

For certain, as in That check will arrive tomorrow morning without fail. This idiom today is used mainly to strengthen a statement. [Early 1700s]

See also: fail, without

words fail me

I can't put my thoughts or feelings into words, especially because of surprise or shock, as in When she showed up at the wedding with all three ex-husbands-well, words fail me. [Second half of 1900s]

See also: fail, word

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

without fail

absolutely predictably; with no exception or cause for doubt.

Fail as a noun in the sense of ‘failure or deficiency’ is now only found in this phrase.

See also: fail, without

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

if all else ˈfails

(spoken) used to introduce an idea or a suggestion that you could try if nothing else works: Let’s try phoning her at this number and then emailing her. If all else fails, we can always contact her parents.

without ˈfail

used for emphasizing that something always happens or must happen: She sends me a Christmas card every year without fail. You must be here by 8.30 without fail.

See also: fail, without

words ˈfail me

I cannot express how I feel (because I am too surprised, angry, etc.): Words fail me! How could you have been so stupid?

See also: fail, word

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

fail in

1. To fail to achieve some goal or effort: I am failing in all of my attempts to win the contest.

2. To achieve unsatisfactory grades in an academic subject: Because I am failing in math, I am seeing a tutor.

3. To give someone an unsatisfactory grade in an academic subject: My teacher failed me in algebra despite my hard work.

fail out

To be forced to leave an academic institution because of unsatisfactory grades: My cousin is failing out of law school.

without fail

With no chance of failure: Be here at noon without fail.

See also: fail, without

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

words fail me

An expression of surprise or shock, uttered when one does not know what to say: for example, “On their wedding day, she went to have breakfast with both of her former husbands—well, words fail me!” It dates from the second half of the twentieth century.

See also: fail, word

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer

See also:

day in, day out, every day without fail
day in and day out
day in, day out
from one day to the next
day after day
all day and every day
make a day of (doing something)
make a day of doing
make a day of it
just another day at the office

References in periodicals archive

North London Asian Care, Enfield N13, failed to pay [pounds sterling]15,687.49 to 70 workers.

Witham Hand Car Wash Ltd, Braintree CM8, failed to pay [pounds sterling]10,051.99 to 6 workers.

Karen Millen Fashions Limited, West Oxfordshire OX29, failed to pay [pounds sterling]9,847.20 to 28 workers.

Mr Muhammad Adnan Safdar and Mrs Khadija Javaid, trading as Citi Dental Surgery, Glasgow City G51, failed to pay [pounds sterling]8,733.33 to 2 workers.

Mr Akbor Miah, trading as Dil Indian Cuisine, Monmouthshire NP15, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,936.78 to 2 workers.

Albury Estate Fisheries (2008) Limited, trading as Albury Estate Fisheries, Hounslow TW8, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,511.32 to 1 workers.

Atkins Hotels Limited, trading as The Yorke Arms (previous ownership), Harrogate HG3, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,241.82 to 3 workers.

Adactus Housing Group Limited, Wigan WN7, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,098.96 to 9 workers.

Birmingham City FC among 179 employers named and shamed for underpaying minimum wage workers; The Government also fined the employers a total of [pounds sterling]1.3 million in penalties for breaking national minimum wage laws

Regal Amusement Machines Sales Limited trading as Regal Gaming and Leisure, South Ribble PR5, failed to pay [pounds sterling]8,081.93 to 74 workers.

Global Voices Ltd, Stirling FK9, failed to pay [pounds sterling]8,026.13 to 4 workers.

Mrs Hardeep Sodhi and Mrs Salma Choudhary trading as Cape Hill Solicitors, Sandwell B66, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,917.22 to 1 worker.

Cuba Lily (North East) Limited, County Durham DH1, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,917.09 to 26 workers.

Black Yak Ltd, East Riding of Yorkshire YO25, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,728.09 to 2 workers.

Low Wood Hotel (1958) Limited trading as Low Wood Bay, South Lakeland LA23, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,341.25 to 34 workers.

Removals Limited, Wiltshire BA12, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,251.55 to 3 workers.

Coventry and Warwickshire firms among 260 named and shamed for not paying minimum wage; Employers in the city and surrounding region have been ordered to make thousands of pounds in repayments

词组	fail
释义	fail day in, day out, every day without fail A phrase used to describe something that happens routinely or regularly. Day in, day out, every day without fail, I pass that same woman walking her dog. My mom started driving us to school because we would miss the bus day in, day out, every day without fail. See also: every, fail, without epic fail An especially big or embarrassing blunder. I can't believe I called the CEO by the wrong name! What an epic fail. I tried to bake a cake for my sister's birthday, but I accidentally used salt instead of sugar. Epic fail. See also: epic, fail fail 1. An exclamation, perhaps of annoyance or frustration, when something has gone wrong. I called him Mark, but apparently his name is Steven. Ugh, fail! I tried to bake a cake for my sister's birthday, but I accidentally used salt instead of sugar. Fail. 2. noun A mistake or blunder. Something that has gone wrong. I called him Mark, but apparently his name is Steven! What a fail. I tried to bake a cake for my sister's birthday, but I accidentally used salt instead of sugar, and it was a big fail. fail (someone) on (something) To give someone a failing grade on a school assignment. You clearly put zero effort into this essay—that's why I failed you on it. See also: fail, on fail at life slang To fail in a way that is exaggeratedly likened to one's entire life being a failure. I can't believe I blew my audition! Ugh, I fail at life. I overheard you struggling to ask Kim to the prom, and, yeah, you fail at life, dude. See also: fail, life fail in (something) 1. To not have high enough grades to pass a particular class. My parents got my report card and grounded me because I'm failing in two classes. 2. To not award a student a passing grade in a particular class. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "fail" and "in." I failed you in biology because you missed so many classes this semester. 3. To not be successful in an attempt to do something. So far, I've failed in my efforts to find an internship for the summer. See also: fail fail of success To not reach a goal or accomplishment. I know you worked hard on the fundraiser, so I'm really sorry to hear that you failed of success. After not making the team last year, I'm really hoping I don't fail of success this time around. See also: fail, of, success fail out To have to leave a school or university because one does not have passing grades. One B won't kill you—it's not like you're going to fail out of college or something. See also: fail, out fail over In a computer system, to switch automatically to a spare, backup, or alternative component when another one fails. We've put new protocols in place to ensure that the computer will fail over to functioning memory blocks in the event of a critical error. See also: fail, over fail the smell test To be morally questionable, unacceptable, or untrustworthy. The new pro-drilling bill that's being put through Congress certainly fails the smell test, and many are suspicious that Big Oil has been responsible for its inception. See also: fail, smell, test fail to see To be incapable of understanding or unwilling to accept something. Mary, I fail to see what your fear of spiders has to do with your unwillingness to go on this trip. Congressman, I fail to see how your opponent, as you claim, is in any way responsible for the economic slump in your state. See also: fail, see fall at the final hurdle To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very end of the attempt. Negotiations between the two warring countries fell at the final hurdle due to disagreements over cross-border taxation. See also: fall, final, hurdle fall at the first hurdle To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very beginning of the attempt. John had his business plan all laid out, but he fell at the first hurdle when the bank refused to grant him a loan. See also: fall, first, hurdle fall at the last hurdle To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very end of the attempt. Negotiations between the two warring countries fell at the last hurdle due to disagreements over cross-border taxation. See also: fall, hurdle, last he who fails to prepare prepares to fail proverb When there is a lack of adequate preparation, failure becomes more likely. Your test is on Friday, but I highly suggest you start studying for it now. He who fails to prepare prepares to fail. Of course I made an itinerary for our trip—how else would we fit everything in? He who fails to prepare prepares to fail. See also: fail, he, prepare, who if all else fails If all other options and plans are unsuccessful. The phrase is used to indicate what the last resort will be. If all else fails, we can always order pizza. A: "Will we have to do it manually?" B: "Only if all else fails." See also: all, else, fail, if never fails Is always effective; always does what's desired or intended. If none of these things resolve the issue, turning your computer on and off again never fails. I'm telling you, drink this—it never fails to get rid of a hangover. See also: fail, never red-face test A hypothetical test meant to measure whether or not some question or thing provokes discernible embarrassment, discomfiture, or displeasure in a person. The old red-face test is a simple but subtle way of telling which employees are the most honest and work the hardest. Well, my proposal didn't pass the red-face test with the boss. I guess we can kiss that idea goodbye. See also: test without fail Said of something that happens regularly and predictably with no deviations. I have passed the same woman walking her dog every day without fail for five years—but today she wasn't there. I'm really worried about her! See also: fail, without words fail me I'm unable to articulate or express myself because I'm too surprised, upset, or intensely emotional. I wish I could convey how much it means to me having you all here, but words fail me at the moment. And to think that you would risk your whole future by drinking and then getting behind the wheel of a car—well, words fail me! See also: fail, word Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. fail in something to have not earned passing or satisfactory grades in some school subject. George is failing in geometry. I hope I do not fail in math. See also: fail fail someone on something to give someone an unsatisfactory grade on an assignment or test. She failed us all on the math assignment. The teacher failed half the class on the assignment. See also: fail, on something never fails a particular thing always works. My old folk remedy for hiccups never fails. See also: fail, never without fail for certain; absolutely. I'll be there at noon without fail. The plane leaves on time every day without fail. See also: fail, without McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. without fail For certain, as in That check will arrive tomorrow morning without fail. This idiom today is used mainly to strengthen a statement. [Early 1700s] See also: fail, without words fail me I can't put my thoughts or feelings into words, especially because of surprise or shock, as in When she showed up at the wedding with all three ex-husbands-well, words fail me. [Second half of 1900s] See also: fail, word The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. without fail absolutely predictably; with no exception or cause for doubt. Fail as a noun in the sense of ‘failure or deficiency’ is now only found in this phrase. See also: fail, without Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary if all else ˈfails (spoken) used to introduce an idea or a suggestion that you could try if nothing else works: Let’s try phoning her at this number and then emailing her. If all else fails, we can always contact her parents. See also: all, else, fail, if without ˈfail used for emphasizing that something always happens or must happen: She sends me a Christmas card every year without fail. You must be here by 8.30 without fail. See also: fail, without words ˈfail me I cannot express how I feel (because I am too surprised, angry, etc.): Words fail me! How could you have been so stupid? See also: fail, word Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary fail in v. 1. To fail to achieve some goal or effort: I am failing in all of my attempts to win the contest. 2. To achieve unsatisfactory grades in an academic subject: Because I am failing in math, I am seeing a tutor. 3. To give someone an unsatisfactory grade in an academic subject: My teacher failed me in algebra despite my hard work. See also: fail fail out v. To be forced to leave an academic institution because of unsatisfactory grades: My cousin is failing out of law school. See also: fail, out The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. without fail With no chance of failure: Be here at noon without fail. See also: fail, without American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. words fail me An expression of surprise or shock, uttered when one does not know what to say: for example, “On their wedding day, she went to have breakfast with both of her former husbands—well, words fail me!” It dates from the second half of the twentieth century. See also: fail, word The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer See also: day in, day out, every day without fail day in and day out day in, day out from one day to the next day after day all day and every day make a day of (doing something) make a day of doing make a day of it just another day at the office References in periodicals archive North London Asian Care, Enfield N13, failed to pay [pounds sterling]15,687.49 to 70 workers. Witham Hand Car Wash Ltd, Braintree CM8, failed to pay [pounds sterling]10,051.99 to 6 workers. Karen Millen Fashions Limited, West Oxfordshire OX29, failed to pay [pounds sterling]9,847.20 to 28 workers. Mr Muhammad Adnan Safdar and Mrs Khadija Javaid, trading as Citi Dental Surgery, Glasgow City G51, failed to pay [pounds sterling]8,733.33 to 2 workers. Mr Akbor Miah, trading as Dil Indian Cuisine, Monmouthshire NP15, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,936.78 to 2 workers. Albury Estate Fisheries (2008) Limited, trading as Albury Estate Fisheries, Hounslow TW8, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,511.32 to 1 workers. Atkins Hotels Limited, trading as The Yorke Arms (previous ownership), Harrogate HG3, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,241.82 to 3 workers. Adactus Housing Group Limited, Wigan WN7, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,098.96 to 9 workers. Birmingham City FC among 179 employers named and shamed for underpaying minimum wage workers; The Government also fined the employers a total of [pounds sterling]1.3 million in penalties for breaking national minimum wage laws Regal Amusement Machines Sales Limited trading as Regal Gaming and Leisure, South Ribble PR5, failed to pay [pounds sterling]8,081.93 to 74 workers. Global Voices Ltd, Stirling FK9, failed to pay [pounds sterling]8,026.13 to 4 workers. Mrs Hardeep Sodhi and Mrs Salma Choudhary trading as Cape Hill Solicitors, Sandwell B66, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,917.22 to 1 worker. Cuba Lily (North East) Limited, County Durham DH1, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,917.09 to 26 workers. Black Yak Ltd, East Riding of Yorkshire YO25, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,728.09 to 2 workers. Low Wood Hotel (1958) Limited trading as Low Wood Bay, South Lakeland LA23, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,341.25 to 34 workers. Removals Limited, Wiltshire BA12, failed to pay [pounds sterling]7,251.55 to 3 workers. Coventry and Warwickshire firms among 260 named and shamed for not paying minimum wage; Employers in the city and surrounding region have been ordered to make thousands of pounds in repayments
随便看	give the raspberry give the shaft give the shake give the shirt off back give the shirt off one's back give the shirt off one's back, to give the show away give the slip give the wall give the (whole) show away give the word give thought to (something) give tit for tat give to give tongue give tongue to give to understand give trouble give under threat of give up give up as lost give up for dead give up for lost give up hope give up on (someone or something)