take a tumble

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a tumble" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom that means to have a bad fall or decline suddenly. For example, "The stock prices took a tumble during the market crash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Everyone likes to see the braggart take a tumble.

The New York Times

New rugs say, "Come on, take a tumble".

The New York Times

MR. LEHRER The stock market could take a tumble.

The New York Times

P25 Peppa Pig owner Entertainment One's shares take a tumble.

The Guardian

Callouts are expected to increase further as temperatures are predicted to take a tumble this weekend.

Independent

And neither likes to consider that Alaska's federal subsidy might also take a tumble some day.

The Economist

The family, heterosexuality, militarised manhood: all these pillars of patriotism take a tumble.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"If you're not alert and you're flying in there, you can take a tumble.

The New York Times - Sports

If a big insurer such as Ambac or MBIA were to take a tumble, that could look like an understatement.

The Economist

But if Martin Rogowsky, a county legislator, has his way, Rebecca's social standing may soon take a tumble.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Despite their famous sticky toes, geckos sometimes take a tumble--and that's when a tail comes in handy.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sudden decrease in a non-physical context, such as market prices or poll numbers, "take a tumble" adds a vivid, almost physical sense of decline. Use it to make your writing more engaging.

Common error

While "take a tumble" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more neutral phrases like "decline sharply" or "experience a setback" for such occasions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a tumble" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It is used to describe the action of falling, either literally in a physical sense or figuratively to indicate a decline or downturn. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a tumble" is a versatile idiomatic phrase that describes both physical falls and figurative declines. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While adaptable, it's best to consider register and context: it's perfectly acceptable for news reports and general conversation, but more formal language may be better suited for academic or business settings. The phrase carries a sense of suddenness, adding impact to your writing. Consider alternatives like "plummet" or "decline sharply" for more formal contexts. Always consider the audience and desired tone when using "take a tumble".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall down

This alternative is a more literal and straightforward way to describe a physical fall.

have a fall

This alternative is a synonym that describes the act of falling, specifically referring to a physical descent.

stumble and fall

This alternative emphasizes the loss of balance leading to the fall.

plummet

This alternative suggests a rapid and significant drop, often used in contexts like stock prices or rankings.

decline rapidly

This alternative indicates a quick decrease in value, quality, or status.

go into a tailspin

This alternative describes a situation spiraling out of control, often with negative consequences.

suffer a setback

This alternative focuses on experiencing a temporary obstacle or reverse in progress.

lose footing

This alternative describes the loss of security and stability both literally and figuratively.

go wrong

This alternative means something has gone wrong and can lead to undesirable results.

experience a downturn

This alternative refers to a decline in economic or business performance.

FAQs

How can I use "take a tumble" in a sentence?

You can use "take a tumble" to describe a physical fall, such as "He "fell off" his bike and took a tumble". It can also describe a decline in something like the stock market: "The stock market "declined sharply" and took a tumble".

What's a more formal alternative to "take a tumble"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "experience a setback", "decline sharply", or "decrease suddenly" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to use "take a tumble" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "take a tumble" can be used metaphorically to describe the decline or downfall of abstract concepts like reputation, morale, or market value. For example, "The company's reputation "suffered" and took a tumble after the scandal".

What's the difference between "take a tumble" and "take a fall"?

While similar, "take a tumble" often implies a less serious or more comical fall than "take a fall". "Take a fall" can also be used in more serious contexts, such as someone deliberately sacrificing themself for another.