What does “Go down like a lead balloon” mean?
"Go down like a lead balloon" means to be received or accepted very poorly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His joke went down like a lead balloon at the party.
Example
The new policy announcement went down like a lead balloon with the employees.
Example
The movie's ending went down like a lead balloon with the audience
Is “Go down like a lead balloon” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go down like a lead balloon” 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 “Go down like a lead balloon” effectively in context?
You can use "Go down like a lead balloon" to describe something that is received or accepted very poorly. It emphasizes the idea that the reaction or response to something is extremely negative. For example, if someone tells a joke that nobody finds funny, you might say, 'His joke went down like a lead balloon at the party.'
- 1Social Gatherings
Her suggestion to change the party theme went down like a lead balloon with the rest of the group.
- 2Workplace
The new policy announcement went down like a lead balloon with the employees, who were not happy with the changes.
- 3Entertainment
The movie's ending went down like a lead balloon with the audience, who expected a more satisfying conclusion.
Similar phrases to “Go down like a lead balloon”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go down like a lead balloon” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go down like a lead balloon" is unknown.
Is “Go down like a lead balloon” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go down like a lead balloon" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to express disappointment or disapproval when something is poorly received.
What tone does “Go down like a lead balloon” have?
"Go down like a lead balloon" conveys a tone of disappointment or disapproval. It suggests that the reaction to something was extremely negative and that it failed to meet expectations.
Can “Go down like a lead balloon” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go down like a lead balloon" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a negative reception or acceptance. 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, 'His performance went down like a lead balloon.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That idea went down like a "lead balloon"!' to imply a negative reception.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- be poorly received
- be rejected
- be unpopular
- not go over well
- be met with disapproval
Antonyms
- be well-received
- be accepted
- be popular
- go over well
- be met with approval
