What does “Come a cropper” mean?
"Come a cropper" means to fail or have a bad experience.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
He tried to start his own business but came a cropper when it went bankrupt.
He tried to start his own business but came a cropper when it went bankrupt.
Example
She thought she could handle the difficult task, but came a cropper and made a big mistake.
She thought she could handle the difficult task, but came a cropper and made a big mistake.
Example
They took a shortcut and came a cropper when they got lost in the woods
They took a shortcut and came a cropper when they got lost in the woods
Is “Come a cropper” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Come a cropper” 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 “Come a cropper” effectively in context?
You can use "Come a Cropper" to describe someone's failure or a bad experience. It emphasizes the negative outcome of a situation. For example, if a friend tells you about their failed attempt at starting a business, you might say, 'Oh no, they really "came a cropper" with that venture.'
- 1Business
He invested all his savings in the stock market and came a cropper when the market crashed.
He invested all his savings in the stock market and came a cropper when the market crashed.
- 2Work
She took on a challenging project without proper preparation and came a cropper when she couldn't meet the deadline.
She took on a challenging project without proper preparation and came a cropper when she couldn't meet the deadline.
- 3Navigation
They decided to take a shortcut on their hike and came a cropper when they got lost in the wilderness.
They decided to take a shortcut on their hike and came a cropper when they got lost in the wilderness.
Similar phrases to “Come a cropper”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Come a cropper” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Come a Cropper" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in British English in the early 19th century.
Is “Come a cropper” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Come a Cropper" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation, especially in British English. It is used to describe failures or negative experiences.
What tone does “Come a cropper” have?
"Come a Cropper" conveys a tone of disappointment or sympathy. It is often used to express regret or surprise at someone's unfortunate outcome.
Can “Come a cropper” be used in informal and formal settings?
Although "Come a Cropper" is more commonly used in informal settings, it can be used in both informal and formal situations. However, it may be more appropriate to use alternative phrases in formal 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, 'He took a risk and came a cropper.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They really "came a cropper"!' to express surprise or disappointment.
