en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "The bigger they are, the harder they fall"

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 05/10/2024, 12:13
English.me team member

What does it mean?

The bigger they are, the harder they fall

The phrase means that the more powerful or bigger someone or something is, the more spectacular or significant their downfall will be if they fail.

Tone

Cautionary

Origin

The phrase is often attributed to boxer Bob Fitzsimmons but its exact origin is unclear, and it has been used since at least the early 20th century.

Examples of usage

  • The company was once a giant in the industry, but it went bankrupt almost overnight; the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
  • He was the most popular politician in the state, but after the scandal, he lost everything. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Recommended posts in Phrases

Too much of a good thing

Too much of a good thing

The phrase means that even something beneficial or enjoyable can ... Learn more →

You cannot make bricks without straw

You cannot make bricks without straw

The phrase means that it is impossible to achieve something ... Learn more →

Snake in the grass

Snake in the grass

The phrase "snake in the grass" refers to a person ... Learn more →

Do not put the cart before the horse

Do not put the cart before the horse

The phrase means to do things in the correct order ... Learn more →