come a cropper

phrase

Definition of come a croppernext
1
as in collapse
to be unsuccessful To her disappointment, her plan came a cropper.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fall short
to go wrong He tried to scale the fence but came a cropper.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for come a cropper
  1. fall short
  2. fall flat
Phrase
  • Cramer said the move was particularly striking because comparable sales actually fell short of expectations, but stronger-than-expected margins and profit forecast ultimately overshadowed that weakness.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Thankfully, the penalty didn't impact the game too much, but Oklahoma fell short, falling to Washington 28-17.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fall short
Phrase
  • And contrary to popular belief, not all of last year’s big premieres fell flat at the Lido.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The resilient fill bounces back night after night, maintaining its shape without falling flat.
    — V BRAND STORIES, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fall flat
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

come about
come a cropper
come across
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Come a cropper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/come%20a%20cropper. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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