Street
take a fall
What does take a fall mean?
To 'take a fall' is to be arrested or convicted; taking a fall for someone means accepting blame to shield the real culprit.
"He took the fall so the boss could walk free."
Origin
American underworld slang, early 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'take a fall' mean?
To be arrested or convicted. Taking a fall for someone means accepting the blame and punishment to protect the person who was really responsible.
How is 'take the fall' different?
They are essentially the same idea. 'Take the fall' usually stresses accepting blame for a specific crime or on someone else's behalf, while 'take a fall' can simply mean getting arrested.
Is the phrase still used?
Yes. Though rooted in early-20th-century underworld slang, 'take the fall' is common in everyday English and crime drama.
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