schieflaufen
go wrong
Definition & meaning
schieflaufen means to go wrong, to not go as planned, or to take a bad turn. It describes a process, plan, or situation that develops badly or produces an unwanted result.
- Bei der Planung ist einiges schiefgelaufen. — Several things went wrong during the planning.
- Wenn etwas schiefläuft, müssen wir schnell reagieren. — If something goes wrong, we have to react quickly.
Grammar & Word origin
schieflaufen is a separable verb. In a main clause, its parts separate: Es läuft schief. In the perfect tense, it is commonly used with sein: Es ist schiefgelaufen.
The word combines schief , meaning “crooked” or “awry,” and laufen , meaning “to run” or “to proceed.” Together, they convey the idea that something is proceeding awry.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- misslingen — “to fail” or “to be unsuccessful.” It focuses more on the failure to achieve a result.
- danebengehen — “to go wrong” or “to miss the mark.” It is close in meaning and often conversational.
- fehlschlagen — “to fail” or “to be unsuccessful,” often used for attempts, plans, or measures.
Antonyms:
- gelingen — “to succeed”; it emphasizes achieving a good result.
- klappen — “to work out” or “to go smoothly”; it is a more informal opposite.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Das Projekt könnte schieflaufen.verb
The project could go wrong.
Manchmal laufen wichtige Pläne schief.verb
Sometimes important plans go wrong.
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