fall headlong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall headlong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is rushing or plunging into a situation without thinking or with great enthusiasm. Example: "He fell headlong into the project, eager to make a difference from the start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As Julia and Jane drink (all day) to steady their nerves, reminisce and consider escaping London to avoid the situation altogether, they fall headlong into "Absolutely Fabulous" mode.

The New York Times

Children (and adults with a sense of adventure) will fall headlong for the fairytale factor: think gingham-clad benches and cosy wood-burning stoves.

The Guardian - Travel

By the time Burton's great late-80s and 90s films came along – Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns and Ed Wood (surely one of the greatest movie runs of any modern director), I was primed to fall headlong in love.

The Guardian - Film

Choughs fall headlong into the wind – they are supreme fliers, handsome with their black plumage and scarlet beaks and legs.

BBC

Homework is put on ice as they fall headlong into a drug caper.

Vice

Similarly, New York Times best-selling author Pamela Palmer says, "I never tire of watching, or making, two people who distrust, fear, or otherwise want nothing to do with one another, fall headlong in love". It's not a bad way to engage with other people--knowing that distrust, fear, and other emotional obstacles can be resolved peacefully and that you can probably find a way to make it happen.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's an exquisitely offbeat love story and I fell headlong for its angular, awkward charm.

The Guardian - Film

Having fallen headlong for her, I read it all before I understood much more than the words on the page.

The New York Times

Mr. Hanssen is often portrayed as some Hieronymus Bosch sinner falling headlong into the flames of perdition.

The New York Times

He scrambled down the stone stairs two at a time, slid down the embankment, and fell headlong into the Vltava.

The New Yorker

Raising my fist in triumph, I looked around to see which of my friends were watching — and promptly fell headlong into the surf.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fall headlong" to vividly describe a rapid, uncontrolled descent or a quick and enthusiastic involvement in something. For example, "She fell headlong into the world of coding, spending countless hours perfecting her skills."

Common error

Avoid using "fall headlong" to describe static states or situations where there is no sense of rapid or uncontrolled motion or involvement. It's more appropriate for dynamic events or actions. For example, don't say "He fell headlong into despair" if the despair was a gradual process; use a different phrase, like "He gradually succumbed to despair."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall headlong" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action of rapidly and often uncontrollably entering into a physical descent or a situation. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase can indicate both literal and figurative falls.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fall headlong" is a verb phrase used to describe a rapid, uncontrolled descent or an enthusiastic and quick involvement in something. As shown by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears in a variety of contexts, although it isn't exceedingly common. It is most frequently found in news and media sources and carries a neutral register. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of suddenness, intensity, and a lack of control, making it a vivid and expressive choice for writers. Alternatives such as "plunge headfirst" or "dive in headfirst" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plunge headfirst

Implies immediate and enthusiastic involvement, similar to "fall headlong", but emphasizes the deliberate nature of the action.

dive in headfirst

Similar to "plunge headfirst", suggesting a bold and active entry into a situation, rather than an accidental or passive descent.

rush into

Focuses on the speed and lack of caution in entering a situation, differing slightly from the potential loss of control implied by "fall headlong".

descend rapidly

Emphasizes the quick downward movement, suitable when the context involves a literal fall or decline.

tumble down

Suggests a clumsy or uncontrolled fall, highlighting the lack of grace in the descent.

become engrossed

Refers to becoming completely absorbed in something, losing oneself in a task or activity, thus changing the literal fall to metaphorical involvement.

succumb quickly

Implies yielding or giving way rapidly, changing the physical motion of falling to a surrender to influence or emotion.

be swept away

Highlights the feeling of being carried away by a force, emphasizing the lack of control and intensity of the experience.

lose footing

Describes losing balance and control, focusing on the initial loss of stability rather than the subsequent fall.

get carried away

Implies excitement and enthusiasm leading to a loss of control, transforming the literal fall into a state of emotional exuberance.

FAQs

How can I use "fall headlong" in a sentence?

You can use "fall headlong" to describe a rapid and often uncontrolled descent or a quick and enthusiastic involvement. For example, "The company "fell headlong" into debt after the failed product launch" or "She "fell headlong" in love with the charming stranger".

What's a good alternative to "fall headlong"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "plunge headfirst", "dive in headfirst", or "rush into" as alternatives to "fall headlong".

Is it always negative to "fall headlong"?

Not necessarily. While "fall headlong" can imply a lack of control and potential negative consequences, it can also describe enthusiastic and passionate involvement. The connotation depends on the context.

What is the difference between "fall headlong" and "fall head over heels"?

"Fall headlong" describes a rapid descent or enthusiastic involvement, while "fall head over heels" specifically refers to "falling deeply in love". The former is more general, while the latter is specific to romantic feelings.