adjective
General Slang
Pear-Shaped
/ˈpɛəʃeɪpt/ · adjective · informal
When a plan goes wrong — 'it all went pear-shaped.'
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Definitions
1
Used in 'go pear-shaped' to mean a plan went badly wrong.
“The trip went pear-shaped when the car broke down.”
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2
Of an arrangement that collapsed unexpectedly.
“The whole deal went pear-shaped at the last minute.”
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3
Describing a situation that has deteriorated into a mess.
“Things went pear-shaped fast once the rain started.”
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Pear-Shaped In A Sentence
Was going great until it all went pear-shaped at the airport.
If it goes pear-shaped, just call me and I'll come get you.
The recipe went pear-shaped but we ordered pizza instead.
Origin & Usage
British and especially RAF slang from the 20th century, possibly from pilots failing to fly a perfect circle. 'Go pear-shaped' for going wrong is now mainstream.
People Also Ask
What does pear-shaped mean in British slang?
When something 'goes pear-shaped' it has gone badly wrong or fallen apart.
Where does 'go pear-shaped' come from?
It's thought to be RAF slang, possibly from a pilot's loop coming out misshapen instead of round.
Is pear-shaped about body shape here?
No — in this slang phrase it has nothing to do with body shape, only with plans going wrong.
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