fail

if all else fails

if you decide that you will do something if all else fails, you decide that that is what you will do if none of your ideas or plans succeed. Well, if all else fails you'll just have to get a part-time job to earn a bit of extra money.

See also: all, else

without fail

1. if something happens without fail, it always happens. Every Tuesday afternoon, without fail, Helga went to visit her father.

2. something that you say in order to emphasize that something will be done or will happen. 'You will meet me at the airport, won't you?' 'Don't worry, I'll be there without fail.'

See also: without

Words fail me!

something that you say when you are so surprised or shocked by something that you do not know what to say about it. 'So what do you think about that purple outfit Olive's wearing?' 'Words fail me!'

See also: Word

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if all else fails

if nothing succeeds. If all else fails, we can always spend the weekend at home. You should try to discuss this with your employer, but if all else fails, you need to speak to a lawyer.

See also: all, else

without fail

certain to happen. Sarah sends me a card on my birthday without fail.

See also: without