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fall out — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
fall out
stop being friendslose hair or teeth

Meaning 1 · most common

stop being friends

  • fall out with sb

To argue with someone and stop being friendly or close with them.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I fell out with my best friend over something silly, and we haven't spoken in weeks.

A: You seem upset. What happened?
B: I fell out with my brother last night. We had a big argument.

Common mistake

Not: I fell out from my best friend.

Say: I fell out with my best friend.

You 'fall out WITH' someone — not 'from'.

More on “stop being friends”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Honestly, I try not to fall out with people, but sometimes disagreements happen, especially with close friends.

Tell it apart

They fell out over money.

  • argued and went cold

The money fell out of my pocket.

  • literally dropped out

Goes with

  • fall out (with/over)
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Next meaning: lose hair or teeth

Meaning 2

lose hair or teeth

  • hair

If your hair or a tooth falls out, it comes loose and drops out of your head or mouth.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

My little brother's front tooth fell out while he was eating an apple.

A: Why are you so worried?
B: My hair's been falling out a lot lately — I think it's stress.

Common mistake

Not: My hair is falling down.

Say: My hair is falling out.

Hair coming loose from your head 'falls out', not 'falls down'.

More on “lose hair or teeth”Another example · Tell it apart · Tip

Another example

When I was a child, my parents told me to put my tooth under the pillow when it fell out.

Tell it apart

My tooth fell out.

  • came loose

We fell out last year.

  • argued and stopped being friends
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

stop being friendslose hair or teeth