go down like a lead balloon

English

Alternative forms

• go over like a lead balloon

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

go down like a lead balloon (third-person singular simple present goes down like a lead balloon, present participle going down like a lead balloon, simple past went down like a lead balloon, past participle gone down like a lead balloon)

1. (simile) To be received negatively by others.

   I thought my idea of a superhero-themed party was a great idea, but it went down like a lead balloon with my friends.