In 15 Seconds
- To have a serious argument and stop being on speaking terms.
- Commonly used for friends, family, and long-term partners.
- Implies a break in the relationship, not just a small debate.
Meaning
When you have a big argument with someone and stop being friends with them for a while. It is more than just a small disagreement; it usually means you aren't talking anymore.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a childhood friend
We were best friends for years until we fell out over a silly misunderstanding.
We were best friends for years until we had a big fight over a silly misunderstanding.
Explaining a family dynamic
My dad and his brother fell out years ago and haven't spoken since.
My dad and his brother had a falling out years ago and haven't spoken since.
A professional disagreement
The two business partners fell out over the new company strategy.
The two business partners had a serious disagreement over the new company strategy.
Cultural Background
The phrase likely originates from military terminology where 'falling out' meant leaving your position in a formation. Culturally, it captures the Western emphasis on individual boundaries in friendships; when those boundaries are crossed, the relationship 'breaks'. It became widely popular in the 19th century to describe social ruptures.
Hair vs. Friends
Be careful! If your hair 'falls out', you are going bald. If you 'fall out' with a friend, you had a fight. Context is everything!
The 'With' Rule
Always use 'with' for the person and 'over' for the reason. Example: 'I fell out WITH Mark OVER the bill.'
In 15 Seconds
- To have a serious argument and stop being on speaking terms.
- Commonly used for friends, family, and long-term partners.
- Implies a break in the relationship, not just a small debate.
What It Means
To fall out is to have a serious fight with someone. It usually ends with both people feeling angry or hurt. You stop speaking to each other for a few days or even years. It is like the friendship physically broke and you both tumbled away from each other.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb. You fall out with a person. You can also fall out over a specific topic. For example, you might fall out with your brother over money. Remember, the past tense is fell out. Don't confuse it with things physically falling out of your pocket!
When To Use It
Use this when describing a broken relationship. It works for friends, family members, or romantic partners. It is perfect for telling a story about why you aren't at a party. "I didn't go because I fell out with the host."
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, polite disagreements. If you just disagree about which movie to watch, you didn't fall out. Also, avoid using it in very formal legal contracts. In a business meeting, use dispute or disagreement instead. It sounds a bit too emotional for a boardroom.
Cultural Background
In British and American culture, friendships are often seen as voluntary. If you fall out, it is a big deal because you are choosing to break that bond. There is a common phrase: "to have a falling out." This turns the action into a noun. It suggests a dramatic event that changed everything.
Common Variations
You will often hear to have a falling out. This is the noun version. You might also hear to fall out over nothing. This means the argument was silly or unimportant. Sometimes people say they fell out big time, which means the fight was huge and very loud.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans toward informal. It is most frequently used in personal stories or gossip to explain why two people are no longer seen together.
Hair vs. Friends
Be careful! If your hair 'falls out', you are going bald. If you 'fall out' with a friend, you had a fight. Context is everything!
The 'With' Rule
Always use 'with' for the person and 'over' for the reason. Example: 'I fell out WITH Mark OVER the bill.'
The Silent Treatment
In English-speaking cultures, 'falling out' almost always implies the 'silent treatment' follows the argument.
Examples
6We were best friends for years until we fell out over a silly misunderstanding.
We were best friends for years until we had a big fight over a silly misunderstanding.
Shows a long-term relationship ending.
My dad and his brother fell out years ago and haven't spoken since.
My dad and his brother had a falling out years ago and haven't spoken since.
Commonly used for family feuds.
The two business partners fell out over the new company strategy.
The two business partners had a serious disagreement over the new company strategy.
Used here to show a serious break in a professional bond.
Did you hear? Sarah and Jane have fallen out again!
Did you hear? Sarah and Jane have had another big fight!
Very common in gossip or social updates.
I think my cat and dog have fallen out; they won't even sit on the same rug.
I think my cat and dog have had a fight; they won't even sit on the same rug.
Applying a human social concept to pets for humor.
It's not worth falling out over who washes the dishes.
It is not worth having a big fight over who washes the dishes.
Often used in the negative to prevent a fight.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase about an argument.
I don't want to fall ___ with you over something so small.
The phrasal verb `fall out` specifically means to have an argument.
Select the correct past tense form.
They ___ out last week and now they've blocked each other on social media.
`Fall` is an irregular verb; the past tense is `fell`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Fall Out'
Used with friends and family gossip.
We fell out big time.
Standard way to describe a broken relationship.
They fell out over money.
Usually replaced by 'dispute' or 'severed ties'.
The parties had a falling out.
When to say 'Fall Out'
Best friends fighting
They aren't talking.
Family drama
Siblings arguing over inheritance.
Work partners
Splitting the business.
Social groups
Leaving a club after a row.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI don't want to fall ___ with you over something so small.
The phrasal verb `fall out` specifically means to have an argument.
They ___ out last week and now they've blocked each other on social media.
`Fall` is an irregular verb; the past tense is `fell`.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it usually implies a serious disagreement that results in people stopping their friendship or communication. For a small argument, use bicker or disagree.
Yes, but that is the literal meaning. In that case, it is just a verb and a preposition, not the idiom for fighting. For example, My phone fell out of my pocket.
This is the noun form of the phrase. You can say, We had a falling out, which means the same as We fell out.
It is okay for casual office chat, but in a formal report, use conflict or dispute. It sounds a bit personal for professional documents.
The best opposite is to make up. After you fall out, you hopefully make up and become friends again.
Usually, we use it for people. However, you can metaphorically fall out with a brand or organization if you are very angry with them.
Yes, because fall is irregular. Do not say falled out or fallen out (unless using 'have'). Use fell out for the simple past.
Yes, it is widely understood in all major English-speaking countries. It is very common in British English.
No, you must use 'with'. The correct sentence is We fell out WITH each other.
As a verb, it is two words: fall out. The single word fallout (noun) usually refers to radioactive dust or the negative results of a situation.
Related Phrases
To have a row
To have a loud, noisy argument (very common in UK English).
To be at loggerheads
To be in strong disagreement and unable to reach an agreement.
To see eye to eye
The opposite; to agree fully with someone.
To burn bridges
To end a relationship so badly that you can never go back.
