tumble headfirst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tumble headfirst" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical action of falling or diving into something, often in a sudden or uncontrolled manner. Example: "He lost his balance and tumbled headfirst into the pool."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Her legs are covered in syphilitic sores and she is letting her baby tumble headfirst towards the gin shop as she takes a pinch of snuff.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Barely catching sight of a car as it cut in front of him, he slammed on his brakes, tumbling headfirst over his handlebars and drawing board.

The New York Times

And we saw the photograph by Richard Drew of The Associated Press, maybe the most excruciating and indelible of all the images that ran in The Times, of a man tumbling headfirst from the north tower.

The New York Times

The premise is simple: footage from a late-80's Japanese game show called "Takeshi's Castle," featuring dozens of ridiculously costumed contestants running obstacle courses, and usually tumbling headfirst into pools of mud, in their attempt to "storm" a stronghold and win prizes like toaster ovens -- is given an entirely new, double-entendre-laden English soundtrack.

The New York Times - Arts

LOS ANGELES — When outfielder Ángel Pagán went tumbling headfirst into the seats along the left-field line to make a daring catch of a pop fly in the first inning, it was a sign that Wednesday might be different for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm tired of you getting hurt.' "But I told her, 'It hurts me more to not be able to ski than it hurts me to get injured.' " Less than two weeks after that interview, Lanning was speeding down a World Cup downhill course in Canada when he caught a ski edge and tumbled headfirst into the protective nets at the race course's perimeter.

The New York Times - Sports

On the South Downs above Brighton, after a long trek through fields of bored sheep, you reach C-Curve, a mirrored panopticon that surveys the view and plays tricks with your body as you attempt to understand how it has suddenly managed to segment the landscape into a triptych or redefine a patch of grey sky as a lake into which you see yourself tumbling headfirst.

The Guardian - Arts

And the audience seem open to tumbling headfirst into the fantasy, discarding any cynicism in the process.

BBC

Witnesses said Dare, 19, tumbled backward headfirst onto the metal box, the area eight inches deep that is used to plant the pole.

The New York Times - Sports

Witnesses said Dare had tumbled backward headfirst onto the metal box, eight inches deep, that is used to plant the pole.

The New York Times - Sports

But as guests collapse headfirst into the ziti and urinate in the holy water, Mr. Grenier -- currently reveling in the success of his HBO series, "Entourage" -- may wish his near-naked tumble into the wedding cake had been left on the cutting-room floor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tumble headfirst" to vividly describe an uncontrolled fall where the head leads the way. This phrase is effective when emphasizing the suddenness or lack of control in the movement.

Common error

Avoid using "tumble headfirst" when the action is a deliberate dive or jump. The phrase implies a lack of control, so it's not suitable for describing intentional movements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tumble headfirst" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, typically modifying a subject to illustrate a specific manner of falling or moving. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tumble headfirst" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes an uncontrolled fall or movement where the head leads. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to vividly depict this specific type of fall, often emphasizing the lack of control. While the phrase is not overly formal, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When describing intentional dives or jumps, consider using alternatives like "plunge headlong" or "dive headfirst" to avoid misrepresenting the level of control involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Plunge headlong

Emphasizes a forceful and rapid descent, often implying a lack of control.

Fall head over heels

Suggests a complete loss of balance and control, often used metaphorically for falling in love.

Dive headfirst

Implies a deliberate action of entering something with the head leading.

Pitch forward

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled fall in a forward direction.

Topple over

Indicates a loss of balance, leading to a fall.

Stumble headfirst

Suggests a clumsy or awkward fall.

Keel over

Suggests a sudden and dramatic collapse or fall.

Take a header

An informal term for falling headfirst, often used in sports contexts.

Somersault forward

Involves a complete rotation of the body while moving forward, head leading.

Go head over heels

Emphasizes a complete reversal of body position during the fall.

FAQs

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

You can use "tumble headfirst" to describe an uncontrolled fall or descent, such as: "He lost his footing and "tumbled headfirst" down the stairs."

What does "tumble headfirst" mean?

The phrase "tumble headfirst" describes a fall where the head is leading the way, often implying a lack of control and a somewhat chaotic descent.

Is it correct to say "tumble headfirst"?

Yes, "tumble headfirst" is a correct and usable phrase in English. It vividly describes a specific type of fall.

What are some similar phrases to "tumble headfirst"?

Similar phrases include "plunge headlong", "fall head over heels", or "dive headfirst", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.