go over like a lead balloon

== English == === Alternative forms === go down like a lead balloon === Etymology === Presumably from go over (“to be received”), used as if literally (“to travel above”): a lead balloon would not travel well through the air. === Verb === go over like a lead balloon (third-person singular simple present goes over like a lead balloon, present participle going over like a lead balloon, simple past went over like a lead balloon, past participle gone over like a lead balloon) (simile) To fail to gain acceptance: to be received poorly. ==== Synonyms ==== go down like a cup of cold sick ==== Related terms ==== fly with leaden wings ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== sink like a stone like a fart in church