What does “Go pear-shaped” mean?
"Go pear-shaped" means that a situation or plan has gone wrong or become a disaster.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Everything was going smoothly until it suddenly went pear-shaped.
Example
The project went pear-shaped when key team members quit.
Example
I had high hopes for the event, but it quickly went pear-shaped
Is “Go pear-shaped” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go pear-shaped” 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 pear-shaped” effectively in context?
You can use "Go pear-shaped" to describe a situation that was going well but suddenly turned into a disaster or went wrong. It emphasizes the unexpected and negative outcome. For example, if a party you were planning gets canceled at the last minute, you might say, 'Well, it looks like the whole thing has gone pear-shaped.'
- 1Event Planning
She spent weeks organizing the conference, but it all went pear-shaped when the venue double-booked the space.
- 2Work
The project was on track, but it went pear-shaped when the main client pulled out.
- 3Relationships
Their friendship went pear-shaped after a big argument and they haven't spoken since.
Similar phrases to “Go pear-shaped”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go pear-shaped” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go pear-shaped" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in Britain in the mid-20th century, but the exact source is unclear.
Is “Go pear-shaped” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go pear-shaped" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation, especially in British English. People often use it to describe situations that unexpectedly go wrong or become a disaster.
What tone does “Go pear-shaped” have?
"Go pear-shaped" conveys a tone of disappointment and frustration. It is often used to express a sense of disbelief or frustration when things don't go as planned.
Can “Go pear-shaped” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go pear-shaped" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations with friends and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations 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, 'The project started well, but it quickly went pear-shaped.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, that went pear-shaped!' to express disappointment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- fall through
- crumble
- backfire
- blow up
- fizzle out
Antonyms
- succeed
- go smoothly
- work out
- go according to plan
- be a success
