Meaning: make an inappropriate and wrong decision
My dad is an expert stock trader and has rarely backed the wrong horse
Meaning: cause a system, organization, or activity to fail or come to an end
The shutdown of the local iron industry tolled the death knell for the village
Meaning: don't get discouraged or give up, no matter what
Things look bad for the team, but never say die. A miracle could happen.
Meaning: to have an accident or suffer disaster
Their relationship came to grief following their disastrous vacation
Meaning: With aims or goals that conflict or interfere with one another
It will be difficult for us to be successful if we continue working at cross-purposes
Meaning: a comment or a prophecy that is expected to be proved incorrect
I was thinking that I will not have dinner today. Famous last words, I am very hungry
Meaning: to be doing something that will definitely have a negative outcome
The trip was up a blind alley it seems because the travel agent could not even jot down a proper itinerary. I wonder why they booked a holiday with such a shady company anyway
Meaning: be very close to accomplishing a goal but fall short
You did quite well for someone who was playing for the first time. You attempt for close, but no cigar
Meaning: a situation in which you must take a big risk in order to avoid failure
A do-or-die attempt to halt the invaders
Meaning: to not succeed at something
The minister came a cropper as soon as she was elected. Hence she was transferred from her ministry and given something else to do in the cabinet