Skip to main content

We're in Beta! Found a bug? Let us know using the feedback button at the bottom right.

↑↓ navigate ↵ open esc close

English idiom

fail fast

Register · Neutral CEFR B2
Post

Figurative meaning

to test ideas quickly and abandon the failing ones early, learning as cheaply as possible

Why this phrase?

From the lean-startup movement popularized by Eric Ries's The Lean Startup (2011).

Example

“We fail fast on experiments: two weeks, one metric, kill or scale.”

Dictionary details

Component words

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

markdown

Send feedback

What is this about?

Choose the closest match.

Optional — only if you'd like a reply.