← Back to search

Meaning of lead balloon | Babel Free

Noun CEFR B2

Definitions

A failure, especially something that fails to have the intended resonance with an audience.

Examples

“After the collusion story proved a bust, there was an attempt ⟳ to blow ⟳ some life into the obstruction of justice charge. But that was a lead ⟳ balloon with the American people.”

“He does it because it establishes the primary deniability of "I was just trolling" when his lead ⟳ balloons fail ⟳ to go over”

CEFR level

B2

Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.

See all B2 English words →

See also

lead carbonate lead chamber process lead character lead chloride lead climber lead climbing

Know this word better than we do? Language is a living thing — help us keep it growing. Collaborate with Babel Free