What does “Go over like a lead balloon” mean?
"Go over like a lead balloon" means to be poorly received or not well received by others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His joke went over like a lead balloon at the party.
Example
The new product launch went over like a lead balloon with customers.
Example
The politician's speech went over like a lead balloon with the audience
Is “Go over like a lead balloon” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go over 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 over like a lead balloon” effectively in context?
You can use "Go over like a lead balloon" to describe something that is poorly received or not well received by others. It emphasizes the idea that the reaction or response to something is negative or disappointing. For example, if someone tells a joke that no one finds funny, you might say, 'His joke went over like a lead balloon at the party.'
- 1Social Gatherings
Her attempt at singing karaoke went over like a lead balloon at the bar.
- 2Business
The new marketing campaign went over like a lead balloon with potential customers.
- 3Public Speaking
The politician's controversial statement went over like a lead balloon with the audience.
Similar phrases to “Go over like a lead balloon”:
To be a complete failure or disaster
Example
The movie bombed at the box office and received negative reviews.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go over like a lead balloon” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go over like a lead balloon" is unknown.
Is “Go over like a lead balloon” common in everyday conversation?
"Go over like a lead balloon" is a fairly common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express disappointment or failure in a humorous way.
What tone does “Go over like a lead balloon” have?
"Go over like a lead balloon" conveys a tone of disappointment or failure. It's often used in a lighthearted or sarcastic manner to describe situations where something is not well received.
Can “Go over like a lead balloon” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Go over like a lead balloon" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family. It may not be as frequently used in formal or professional contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The presentation went over like a lead balloon.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That idea went over like a "lead balloon"!' to imply its failure.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- flop
- be poorly received
- be a dud
- not go down well
- receive a negative reaction
Antonyms
- be well received
- be a hit
- go down well
- receive a positive reaction
