come a cropper, Informal. to fail; be struck by some misfortune: His big deal came a cropper. to fall headlong, especially from a horse.

Where does the term come a cropper come from?

In the 18th century, anyone who fell from a horse was said to have fallen neck and crop. Neck and crop and head over heels originate from the 16th-century term neck and heels, which had the same meaning. “Come a cropper” is just a simple way of describing a neck and crop fall.

What does Cropper mean in Britain?

[mainly British] to suffer a sudden and embarrassing failure. Scott must concentrate on learning his new trade. He will come a cropper if he thinks he knows it all before he starts. to accidentally fall and hurt yourself.