fall flat

[welldone]

Dear teachers,

What does "fall flat" in following line mean?

"some of the jokes fall flat while others just aren't funny"

thanks

 

[henry]

Dear teachers,

What does "fall flat" in following line mean?

"some of the jokes fall flat while others just aren't funny"

thanks

" some of the jokes completely fail to have the effect that was intended while others just aren't funny."[/b]

 

[MikeNewYork]

Dear teachers,

What does "fall flat" in following line mean?

"some of the jokes fall flat while others just aren't funny"

thanks

In addition to Henry's great response, let me say that the contrast set up between "fall flat" and "aren't funny" is a bit strange, since neither evokes laughter. It is possible that the writer is attempting to draw a distinction between jokes that are funny (but not delivered well) and those that are just not funny (no matter how they are delivered). I would probably rewrite the sentence, however.

 

[welldone]

thanks henry and Mike!

 

[welldone]

So, could I say
"XX plan fell flat."? or "XX action fell flat."

, thanks...

 

[Tdol]

You could use it where it didn't come off, or was not well received, so plans can fall flat, usually due to apathy. It would depend on the action, but initiatives, for instance, can fall flat. ;-)

 

[welldone]

thanks, dear tdol.

 

[MikeNewYork]

thanks henry and Mike!

You're welcome, welldone. :wink: