What does “Gone pear-shaped” mean?
"Gone pear-shaped" means that when something has gone wrong or turned out badly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I had high hopes for the project, but it went pear-shaped and we had to start over.
Example
The vacation started off great, but then everything went pear-shaped when our flight got cancelled.
Example
I tried to bake a cake for the first time, but it went pear-shaped and ended up burnt
Is “Gone pear-shaped” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Gone 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 “Gone pear-shaped” effectively in context?
You can use "Gone pear-shaped" to describe a situation that has gone wrong or turned out badly. It emphasizes disappointment or frustration with the outcome. For example, if a friend tells you about a failed job interview, you might say, 'I'm sorry to hear that it went pear-shaped.'
- 1Project
They had high hopes for the project, but it went pear-shaped and they had to start over.
- 2Vacation
The vacation started off great, but then everything went pear-shaped when their flight got cancelled.
- 3Baking
She tried to bake a cake for the first time, but it went pear-shaped and ended up burnt.
Similar phrases to “Gone pear-shaped”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Gone pear-shaped” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Gone pear-shaped" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in British slang in the mid-20th century, but its exact origins are unclear.
Is “Gone pear-shaped” common in everyday conversation?
"Gone pear-shaped" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation, especially in British English. It is often used to express disappointment or frustration when things don't go as planned.
What tone does “Gone pear-shaped” have?
"Gone pear-shaped" conveys a tone of disappointment or frustration. It is used to describe situations that have gone wrong or turned out badly.
Can “Gone pear-shaped” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Gone pear-shaped" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family. It may be less common in formal or professional contexts.
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 "went pear-shaped" and they had to start over.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, that went "pear-shaped"!' to express disappointment.
