📉 collapse under its own weight
Concrete Meaning
To fail completely because a project, system, or organization has become too large, complex, or overly ambitious to be sustained.
💬 Context & Examples
Used when a massive bureaucracy, IT system, or grand plan fails purely because of its overly complicated size, rather than external attacks.
- "The proposed tax reform was so complicated and full of exceptions that it simply collapsed under its own weight."
- "Without proper middle management, the rapidly growing startup began to collapse under its own weight."
🧠 Pattern Challenge
Test Yourself
What specific physical building failure does this phrase describe?
Show Answer
It describes a structure built so massive, tall, and heavy that its own supporting pillars and foundation can no longer hold it up, causing a catastrophic inward collapse.