What does “Fall on stony ground” mean?
"Fall on stony ground" means to be unsuccessful or not well received.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The new product launch fell on stony ground and didn't generate much interest.
Example
Despite their efforts, the marketing campaign fell on stony ground and failed to attract new customers.
Example
The comedian's jokes fell on stony ground and the audience didn't find them funny
Is “Fall on stony ground” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Fall on stony ground” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Fall on stony ground” effectively in context?
You can use "Fall on Stony Ground" to describe a situation or idea that is unsuccessful or not well received. It implies that the effort or message did not resonate with the intended audience or did not generate the desired outcome. For example, if a new product launch doesn't generate much interest, you might say, 'The new product launch "fell on stony ground" and didn't attract many customers.'
- 1Marketing
Despite their efforts, the marketing campaign fell on stony ground and failed to reach the target audience.
- 2Entertainment
The comedian's jokes fell on stony ground and the audience didn't find them funny.
- 3Communication
Their proposal fell on stony ground as the team didn't understand the benefits.
Similar phrases to “Fall on stony ground”:
To encounter opposition or lack of support
Example
The proposal met with resistance from the board members.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fall on stony ground” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fall on Stony Ground" is unknown.
Is “Fall on stony ground” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Fall on Stony Ground" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where efforts or ideas do not achieve the desired results.
What tone does “Fall on stony ground” have?
"Fall on Stony Ground" conveys a tone of disappointment or frustration. It suggests that the speaker's expectations were not met and that their efforts were in vain.
Can “Fall on stony ground” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Fall on Stony Ground" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the lack of success or acceptance of an idea or effort. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Their proposal fell on stony ground as the team didn't understand the benefits.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'The new product launch "fell on stony ground".' to imply its lack of success.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- flop
- be unsuccessful
- not gain traction
- fail to make an impact
- miss the mark
Antonyms
- succeed
- hit the mark
- be successful
- gain traction
- make an impact
