drop off the edge

USAGE SUMMARY

"drop off the edge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has gone past a point and is no longer visible or able to be seen. For example, "The sun quickly dropped off the edge of the horizon and the sky went dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The school, he said, "will be getting everything when I drop off the edge of the earth".

The New York Times - Arts

It never occurred to her that the move to a harbor town 100 miles east of Manhattan would cause her, year by year in slow motion, to drop off the edge of the New York art world.

The New York Times - Arts

But don't forget, you're looking at £200m, plus in my opinion £100m for players to save Villa from their annual flirtation against relegation and one of these days they will drop off the edge unless this is sorted out.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

One peels off his shirt, climbs the railing … and drops off the edge.

Independent

"CUNY dropped off the edge of the earth," Mr. Leiter said.

The New York Times - Arts

Once an object leaves my hands, it drops off the edge of the world into a void.

The New Yorker

He delights in dropping off the edge of reality while beguiling the reader with precise descriptions of an almost probable world.

The Guardian - Books

News in our day is supposed to flash around the world at the speed of light, "shrinking our planet & making of it the famed global village, but from some regions, it turns out information comes slowly... Thos regions far from being crowded into a global village, sometimes seem to have dropped off the edge of the earth.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, February 3 , 1986P. 31 News in our day is supposed to flash around the world at the speed of light, "shrinking our planet & making of it the famed global village, but from some regions, it turns out information comes slowly... Thos regions far from being crowded into a global village, sometimes seem to have dropped off the edge of the earth..

The New Yorker

By Jonathan Schell The New Yorker, February 3 , 1986P. 31 News in our day is supposed to flash around the world at the speed of light, "shrinking our planet & making of it the famed global village, but from some regions, it turns out information comes slowly... Thos regions far from being crowded into a global village, sometimes seem to have dropped off the edge of the earth..

The New Yorker

The current ad hoc approach, he says, "barely stops us from dropping off the edge of the cliff each year".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drop off the edge" to describe a situation where something suddenly and dramatically disappears or declines, whether physically or metaphorically.

Common error

Avoid using "drop off the edge" in purely literal contexts where a simpler phrase like "fall off" would suffice. It's most effective when conveying a sense of sudden disappearance or decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop off the edge" primarily functions as a verb phrase that often carries an idiomatic meaning. It describes the action of something disappearing suddenly, declining rapidly, or transitioning out of a certain state. Ludwig confirms the expression is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop off the edge" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a sudden disappearance or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While relatively rare, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources. It's best used in neutral to informal settings to convey a sense of abruptness or finality. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "decline sharply". Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize a dramatic transition or disappearance, whether literal or figurative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall off the map

Implies a complete disappearance or becoming irrelevant, focusing on obscurity.

disappear from view

Focuses on the literal act of something no longer being visible.

fade into oblivion

Emphasizes a gradual decline into obscurity and forgetfulness.

go over the cliff

Suggests a sudden and dramatic decline or failure.

plummet from sight

Highlights a rapid and uncontrolled descent out of view.

vanish without a trace

Implies a complete and mysterious disappearance.

become nonexistent

Focuses on the state of no longer existing or being present.

cease to exist

A formal way of saying something no longer exists.

decline sharply

Indicates a significant and rapid decrease in value or quality.

descend rapidly

Implies a quick and downward movement.

FAQs

How can I use "drop off the edge" in a sentence?

You can use "drop off the edge" to describe a sudden disappearance or decline. For example, "The company's profits seemed to "fall off a cliff" after the new regulations were implemented."

What does "drop off the edge" mean figuratively?

Figuratively, "drop off the edge" suggests a dramatic and sudden decline or disappearance, often implying a negative outcome. It's similar to saying something "went over the cliff".

What are some alternatives to "drop off the edge"?

Alternatives include "fall off the map", "disappear from view", or "fade into oblivion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "drop off the edge" a formal or informal expression?

"Drop off the edge" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal contexts, you might choose a more precise or literal description, such as "decline sharply" or "decrease significantly".