fall like ninepins

Related to fall like ninepins: fall line

fall like ninepins

To succumb to a particular problem. This phrase is typically only used when more than one person has been adversely affected. Ninepins is a game similar to bowling. Primarily heard in UK. Now that the flu is going through our school, people are falling like ninepins.
See also: fall, like, ninepin
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

fall like ninepins

or

go down like ninepins

or

drop like ninepins

BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONED
If people or things fall like ninepins, go down like ninepins or drop like ninepins, a lot of them are very quickly injured, killed or destroyed. Sgt Russell Smith, 35, told of his terror at seeing officers `falling like ninepins'. There was a time when Liverpool players never seemed to get injured, but now they're going down like ninepins. Note: Ninepins are skittles.
See also: fall, like, ninepin
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • drop like flies
  • drop like flies, to
  • drop like ninepins
  • go down like ninepins
  • go down, drop, etc. like ninepins
  • ninepin
  • be dropping like flies
  • game on
  • eggs is eggs
  • best foot forward
References in periodicals archive
The Scottish parliament is a nightmare as overpaid advisers fall like ninepins for a variety of misdemeanours including being caught driving, fuelled by hooch, in a red light area and the parliament gets its sporran in a twist over Section 28 and student loans
Politically Incorrect: Chris Buckland's column: Cook's simmering war with Brown is about to boil over
Bemused boss Francis watched his players fall like ninepins in this one.
FOOTBALL: OUT OF THE BLUE, TREV IS STUNNED; Birmingham..0 Preston............1: Edwards lands sucker punch