Definition of the word fall on

The phrasal verb "fall on" has an interesting origin that dates back several centuries. The phrase has been in use in the English language since the 16th or 17th century, but its exact meaning has evolved over time. In its earliest documented use, "fall on" was a combination of the words "fall" (meaning "happen" or "come") and "on" (meaning "upon" or "against"). This version of the phrase referred to the spontaneous arrival of an event or circumstance, usually something unpleasant or unexpected. For example, a line from Shakespeare's play "Othello" reads, "But let it fall where it will, I am safe." However, by the 18th century, the meaning of "fall on" had shifted somewhat. It now meant "intensify" or "focus one's attention on," particularly in the context of criticism or aggression. This version of the phrase can still be found in modern English, in expressions such as "the criticism fell on him like a ton of bricks" or "they fell on her mercilessly." So there you have it - "fall on" is a versatile phrasal verb with a history stretching back several centuries. Its origins are a reminder of the way that language can evolve and take on unexpected meanings over time.