zurück|fallen
Translation
to fall back, to lag behind, to relapse
Examples
Der Läufer fiel im Rennen zurück.
The runner fell behind in the race.
Nach der Besserung fiel er in die Krankheit zurück.
After improving, he relapsed into the illness.
Die Preise sind auf das alte Niveau zurückgefallen.
The prices have fallen back to the old level.
Grammar Patterns
((behind sb./sth.)) to fall behind sb./sth. The runner fell behind the others.
((into sth.)) to relapse into sth. He relapsed into the illness.
((to sth.)) to fall back to sth. The prices fell back to the old level.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hinterherhinken, nachlassen; Antonyms: vorankommen, aufholen
Etymology
Composed of 'zurück' (back) and 'fallen' (to fall). Literally 'to fall back'.
Memory Tips
Imagine literally 'falling' (fallen) 'back' (zurück) in a race or on a chart. This helps remember the meanings 'to lag behind' or 'to relapse'.