flat on its back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flat on its back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is lying in a horizontal position, often used metaphorically to indicate defeat or vulnerability. Example: "After the unexpected storm, the old tree was left flat on its back, its roots exposed to the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then we try to buy that business when it's flat on its back, as it seems to be right now.

Forbes

Now inflation is flat on its back, it is harder to justify an interest rate rise.

Independent

The kitten's black lines become blurry; it even lands flat on its back at one point.

The New York Times - Books

We watched bulldogging, which requires two men to grab a steer by the neck and lay it flat on its back.

The New Yorker

If those who understand computer code are apparently going to lord it over hapless, code-illiterate serfs, why is the IT market flat on its back?

The Guardian

The first, "Which Side Are You On? Trying To Be For Labor When It's Flat On Its Back," came out in 1991.

The New Yorker

The first police officer on the scene also confirmed this position of the body in a 2010 newspaper interview, but he told the Hutton inquiry it was flat on its back.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

At the moment, they will see a flat-on-its-back economy and a government short of ideas.

The Guardian - Business

But we are told by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani that what was correct for the flat-on-its-back America of the 30's is wrong for the saddened-but-sturdy New York of today.

The New York Times

"Putting aside the quarterly swings over the past two years, the economy has been and remains 'flat on its back' with stagnant growth," said Rob Donaldson from the accountants Baker Tilly.

BBC

Would Schwab agree that economic self-interest is the historical engine behind prosperity, and that once you burden companies with social promises, you get Europe flat on its back, economically?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flat on its back" to vividly describe a situation where something (an economy, a business, or even a person) is completely incapacitated or defeated. It adds a stronger image than simply saying something is 'failing'.

Common error

Avoid using "flat on its back" for minor setbacks or temporary difficulties. The phrase implies a significant degree of prostration and using it lightly can diminish its impact and misrepresent the true severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flat on its back" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, providing a vivid description of a state of complete incapacitation or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "flat on its back" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a state of complete incapacitation or defeat. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is generally accepted. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in more informal settings. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a significant degree of prostration and should be reserved for situations that warrant such a strong image. While alternatives exist, such as "completely defeated" or "on the ropes", "flat on its back" provides a vivid and impactful description of something being utterly overwhelmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the ropes

This idiom suggests a state of near defeat, similar to a boxer about to lose.

brought to its knees

This idiom suggests a state of submission and weakness.

knocked down

This phrase focuses on the action of being brought down, rather than the resulting state.

at rock bottom

This phrase signifies the lowest possible point in a situation or condition.

completely defeated

This phrase emphasizes the finality of the defeat, lacking the imagery of the original phrase.

in ruins

This phrase describes a state of devastation and destruction.

in a state of collapse

This phrase describes a more gradual decline leading to a complete breakdown.

utterly vanquished

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the thoroughness of the defeat.

unable to recover

This phrase focuses on the lack of resilience after a setback.

out of commission

This phrase highlights the inability to function, whether due to damage or defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "flat on its back" in a sentence?

You can use "flat on its back" to describe something that is completely defeated, incapacitated, or in a state of failure. For example, "The economy was "flat on its back" after the recession".

What are some alternatives to "flat on its back"?

Some alternatives include "completely defeated", "on the ropes", or "brought to its knees", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "flat on its back"?

Yes, "flat on its back" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted idiomatic expression. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Can "flat on its back" be used to describe a person?

Yes, although less common, "flat on its back" can be used to describe a person who is incapacitated, extremely ill, or utterly defeated. However, it's more frequently applied to abstract entities like economies or industries.