fail

Everyday

1. To fail means not to do what you tried or wanted to do. tree →
2. To fail a test is not to pass it. tree →
3. To fail means to stop working or to break down: the brakes failed. tree →
4. Never fail to means always: he never fails to say thank you. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: tries that do not work are counted; the ones that pass = total − failed; failed + passed = all. In science: an experiment that fails still teaches us something. In life: everyone fails sometimes; try again and learn from mistakes. Phrases: fail a test, fail to, never fail to, without fail, power failure.

Examples

• 3 of the 25 pupils failed the test. tree →
• He failed 2 of his 10 tries. tree →
• How many passed if 4 failed? tree →
• The seeds that fail to grow are thrown away. tree →
• The lights failed during the storm. tree →
• If you fail at first, try again. tree →
• He goes swimming every Saturday without fail. tree →
• Her plan to surprise Mum failed when Mum came home early. tree →
• So the Third Knight failed also. tree →

Note

Noun «failure». Opposite: pass or succeed. Failed + passed = all. Trap: check whether the question asks for those who failed or passed. «Fail to» means did not do: he failed to notice.

In Jewish tradition

Often means to run out or to stop helping, as when money runs out or when God does not abandon His people. In the Writings it can also mean to grow weak, as a soul or eyes failing from longing or grief, or friends failing a person.

Interpretation. Tradition reads God's promise not to fail Israel as a sign that His covenant lasts. Eyes that "fail" for God's salvation are read as deep longing for His help.

Examples

• And Joseph said: 'Give your cattle, and I will give you bread for your cattle, if money fail.' (Torah GEN.47.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• And if thy brother be waxen poor, and his means fail with thee; then thou shalt uphold him: as a stranger and a settler shall he live with thee. (Torah LEV.25.35, JPS 1917) tree →
• for the LORD thy God is a merciful God; He will not fail thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He swore unto them. (Torah DEU.4.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• My soul failed me when he spoke. (Writings SNG.5.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. (Writings JOB.19.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Mine eyes fail for Thy salvation, and for Thy righteous word. (Writings PSA.119.123, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Noun «failure». Opposite: pass or succeed. Failed + passed = all. Trap: check whether the question asks for those who failed or passed. «Fail to» means did not do: he failed to notice.