go pear-shaped: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "go pear-shaped" is a colorful expression that originated in British English. Its exact origin is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged around the mid-20th century. The idiom is commonly used in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries, including the United States.

"Go pear-shaped" is often used to describe a situation or plan that has gone awry or become unsuccessful. It implies that things have gone wrong, usually in a sudden or unexpected manner. The phrase is typically used in a negative context to convey disappointment, failure, or the collapse of a previously positive outcome.

The idiom is derived from the visual metaphor of an object, such as a round and symmetrical fruit, transforming into a shape that is lopsided and unbalanced, resembling the shape of a pear. This transformation signifies a shift from symmetry and stability to asymmetry and instability. It's like when things start to "go down the pan."

"Go down the pan" is another idiom that can be related to "go pear-shaped." It means that something has gone disastrously wrong or failed completely. The phrase "down the pan" refers to the idea of something being flushed down a toilet or discarded, emphasizing the irretrievable nature of the failure. When a plan or situation goes pear-shaped, it can feel like it's all going down the pan.

Similarly, the idiom "come a cropper" can also be related to the concept of "go pear-shaped." It means to experience a sudden and unexpected failure or setback. The phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is brought down or humiliated by a failure. When things go pear-shaped, it can feel like you've come a cropper, experiencing a significant setback or downfall.

The idiom "go pear-shaped" is primarily used in informal contexts, such as everyday conversation, and is less commonly found in formal writing or professional settings. It carries a slightly colloquial and metaphorical tone, allowing speakers to convey disappointment or frustration vividly and concisely.

The idiom "go pear-shaped" is a widely used expression in the English language, mainly in British English and other English-speaking countries. It denotes the failure or collapse of a situation or plan, invoking a visual image of an object transforming from a round and stable shape into an unbalanced and disappointing form. Although its exact origin remains unclear, the idiom continues to be used as a vivid metaphor, allowing speakers to express negative outcomes or unexpected failures in a concise and impactful way.