go over like a lead balloon

go over like a lead balloon

To become an utter failure and/or something that causes displeasure. A: "How do you think everyone will react to the lack of bonuses this year?" B: "Oh, that news will go over like a lead balloon!"

See also: balloon, go, lead, like, over

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go over like a lead balloon

Fig. to fail completely; to go over badly. Your joke went over like a lead balloon. If that play was supposed to be a comedy, it went over like a lead balloon. Her suggestion went over like a lead balloon.

See also: balloon, go, lead, like, over

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

go over like a lead balloon

in. [for something meant to be good] to fail to be good. (see also go over big.) I’m afraid your plan went over like a lead balloon.

See also: balloon, go, lead, like, over

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

lead balloon, go over like a

Utterly fail. The analogy is to a lighter-than-air vehicle made of a heavy metal, forcing it to sink. The term dates from about 1950. The Los Angeles Times had it, “ ‘Malcolm Arnold’s ‘Grand, Grand Overture’ for vacuum cleaners went over like, ah, a lead balloon” (August 27, 1983).

See also: go, lead, like, over

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer