noun
cropper
KRAH-per/ˈkrɑːpər/
A sudden heavy fall.
The rider comes a cropper as her horse stops abruptly.
Etymology
Probably related to crop meaning “top” or “head,” through a headlong riding fall. The derivation is not settled.
In context
They had gone out from England to make their fortunes on the fields, but had come a cropper like himself, and were discussing what they'd do next.
More examples
- He came a cropper on the icy steps.
- The cyclist comes a cropper after hitting a pothole.
- Our picnic plans came a cropper when the storm hit.
Forms
cropper · croppers