fall through/between the cracks
idiom
variants
or less commonly slip through/between the cracks
: to fail to be noticed, assisted, or included with others
Parents are concerned that children who have trouble in school will fall through the cracks in the school system.
The program is meant to help workers who may have slipped through the cracks because of their age.
Examples of fall through/between the cracks in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When they’re ignored or applied incorrectly, patients fall through the cracks.
—
Sean C. Domnick, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Denied claims fall through the cracks, especially when staff are already overwhelmed and under-resourced.
—Sally Ragab, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Amid the busyness of budget season, a lot can fall through the cracks.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Without them, too many will fall through the cracks, especially those already facing chronic illnesses like cancer.
—Nancy G. Brinker, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall through/between the cracks
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sean C. Domnick, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Denied claims fall through the cracks, especially when staff are already overwhelmed and under-resourced.
—Sally Ragab, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Amid the busyness of budget season, a lot can fall through the cracks.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Without them, too many will fall through the cracks, especially those already facing chronic illnesses like cancer.
—Nancy G. Brinker, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall through/between the cracks
Cite this Entry
“Fall through/between the cracks.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20through%2Fbetween%20the%20cracks. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share