Phrase guide

drop a clanger

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To commit a conspicuous and embarrassing blunder or gaffe, for example by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • I dropped a clanger when I mentioned how well Mary's mother had been looking recently. I didn't know that she died two days ago.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.