fall out

To drop out of a place or become loose and drop off.

• A coin fell out of my bag.
• His baby teeth are starting to fall out.
• Be careful, or the papers will fall out.

How to use it: fall out of something (The keys fell out of my pocket.)

Similar words: drop out, come loose

Common phrases: fall out of something, teeth fall out

To argue with someone and stop being friendly with them.

• The two friends fell out.
• I fell out with my brother over the car.
• Have you ever fallen out with a neighbor?

How to use it: fall out with someone (She fell out with her best friend.); fall out over/about something (They fell out over money.)

Similar words: quarrel, have a falling-out

Opposites: make up

Common phrases: fall out with someone, fall out over something

To leave a place or stop standing in an organized group, especially in the military.

• The officer told the soldiers to fall out.
• We fell out after the morning parade.
• Fall out and return to your rooms.

Similar words: leave, depart

Opposites: fall in

Common phrases: fall out now, fall out of formation

To break or move away while supporting someone, so they may fall.

• The board fell out beneath him.
• A rotten plank fell out as she crossed the bridge.
• The floor could fall out under your feet.

Similar words: give way, collapse

Common phrases: boards fall out, fall out underneath someone, fall out under someone, fall out beneath someone

To laugh very hard or show great excitement about something.

• We fell out laughing at his joke.
• The crowd fell out when the band appeared.
• She falls out every time she sees that funny clip.

Similar words: crack up, go wild

Common phrases: fall out laughing, fall out over something