come a cropper

Definition

To fall headlong from a horse.

Etymology

Possibly from the phrase neck and crop, in which crop may refer to the backside of a horse.

Example Sentences

• "She came a cropper on the stairs and broke her leg."
• "I should feel certain that I should come a cropper, but still I'd try it. As you say, a fellow should try."
• "You couldn't help feeling he'd be caught out one day, and then what an almighty cropper he'd come!"