fail to do . fail to do {v. phr.} To neglect to do something that is expected of one. Tom waited for Jane for nearly an hour, but she failed to show up. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: F Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Post my comment