fall between the cracks: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fall between the cracks’ mean?
The idiom fall between the cracks means to be overlooked or neglected unintentionally. It describes a situation where something or someone is not given proper attention or consideration due to a system or process failing to account for them.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "slip through the cracks" means to be unnoticed or go unnoticed, often referring to a situation or person that is overlooked or neglected due to a lack of attention or proper consideration.
The idiom *let slip* means to accidentally reveal something that was supposed to be kept secret or to accidentally lose control of a situation. It can also mean to miss an opportunity or to fail to take advantage of something. The idiom is often used when someone unintentionally says or does something that they shouldn't have, leading to unforeseen consequences.
The idiom "leave something to be desired" means that something is not as good as it should be or as one would expect it to be.
The idiom "keep it between the ditches" means to stay on the safe path or to avoid unnecessary risks. It comes from the practice of driving on a road and staying between the marked lanes. Just as drifting out of the lanes can be dangerous, straying from the right course in life can have negative consequences.
The idiom "hit below one's weight" means to perform at a level that is lower than expected or below one's usual standards. It is often used to describe someone who is not meeting their full potential or underperforming in a particular situation.
The idiom "hang out to dry" means to leave someone in a difficult or vulnerable situation without support or assistance.
The idiom "go by the wayside" means to be forgotten or abandoned, usually due to a lack of attention or interest.
The idiom "go by the board" means to be disregarded, ignored, or abandoned. It refers to something that is set aside or eliminated, usually due to changing circumstances or priorities.
The idiom "gloss over" means to ignore, downplay or conceal a problem, mistake, or negative aspect of something, often with a superficial treatment or explanation.
The Disappearing Phrase
The idiom "fall between the cracks" is a commonly used expression in American English. It is often used to describe a situation where someone or something is overlooked or neglected. This can happen unintentionally, and it implies that the person or thing in question does not receive the necessary attention or care. As a result, their needs, concerns, or issues are disregarded or go unnoticed.
This idiom has its roots in the physical world, where objects may literally fall in between the cracks or gaps. Over time, it has evolved into a metaphorical expression. It captures the concept of being overlooked or forgotten in various contexts.
The exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, as it has been in use for quite some time. However, it gained popularity and became more standardized in the American lexicon during the mid-20th century. Its widespread usage in everyday language suggests that it resonates with people and effectively conveys a particular experience or situation.
The related idiom "slip through the cracks" is similar in meaning to "fall between the cracks." It also describes a situation where someone or something is overlooked or neglected. The phrase "slip through the cracks" emphasizes the notion of something or someone going unnoticed or escaping attention.
Another related idiom is "fall between two stools." This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone fails to achieve a desired outcome because they try to combine two incompatible options or actions. It essentially means that by trying to do two things at once, a person ends up accomplishing neither.
The idiom "fall between the cracks" is commonly used in a variety of scenarios. It can refer to a situation where a person's needs or concerns are not addressed, often due to bureaucratic errors or oversights. It may describe individuals who do not fit into conventional categories or systems, causing them to be ignored or marginalized. This idiom can also be employed to illustrate how certain issues or problems may go unnoticed or unattended in larger contexts, such as societal or political frameworks.
Furthermore, "fall between the cracks" is frequently used in discussions about education and healthcare systems. It highlights instances where individuals or groups may not receive the necessary support, resources, or care due to administrative shortcomings or inadequate attention. In these contexts, the idiom serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and rectifying systemic gaps to ensure everyone gets the assistance they require.
When someone or something falls between the cracks or slips through the cracks, it is a concerning situation. It means that they are not receiving the attention or care they need. This can have significant consequences, as it can lead to missed opportunities, unaddressed issues, or neglected individuals.
It is crucial to recognize and address situations where individuals or issues may fall between the cracks. By doing so, we can ensure that no one is left unnoticed or disregarded. This involves identifying systemic gaps and working towards rectifying them. It requires a proactive approach to prevent people or problems from slipping through the cracks.
The idiom "fall between the cracks" encompasses the experience of being overlooked or neglected. It portrays a sense of being left behind and implies that certain issues or individuals do not receive the attention and care they deserve. The related idioms "slip through the cracks" and "fall between two stools" further enhance the understanding of this concept. While its exact origins remain uncertain, the phrase has become ingrained in the American English lexicon and is widely understood. Through its metaphorical usage, it serves as a reminder of the need to address and rectify systemic gaps to ensure no one is left unnoticed or disregarded.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "fall between the cracks" can be used in a sentence:
- A lot of important paperwork falls between the cracks when there is a lack of proper organization.
- Without proper communication, some students may fall between the cracks and not receive the support they need.
- When a person's needs are not properly addressed or recognized, they can easily fall between the cracks of the healthcare system.
More "Neglect" idioms
