fall flat on one's face

Verb

literally figuratively

Japanese Meaning

（直訳）顔から転倒する。前方に転がり、顔が地面に当たる動作を表す。 / （比喩的）大失敗する。明らかに、または恥ずかしい形で完全に失敗することを意味する。

To fall flat on one's face is a real danger when hiking on the icy trail.

氷の張った山道を歩くと、前のめりに転んで顔を地面に打ち付ける危険が本当にある。

Sense（1）

(literally) To fall headlong forwards, notionally hitting one's face on the ground.

I tripped over my shoelace and fell flat on my face.

Sense（2）

(figuratively) To fail miserably, especially in an obvious or embarrassing way.

He tried to start his own business but fell flat on his face.

falls flat on one's face

（ present singular third-person ）

falling flat on one's face

（ participle present ）

fell flat on one's face

（ past ）

fallen flat on one's face

（ participle past ）