to fail of: to come short of obtaining or meeting with (an object desired), or of accomplishing or attaining (a purpose, etc.). Now rare except with…

to fall short of. To fail to reach or obtain (an object, wages, etc.); to fail in performing (one's duty).

figurative; esp. of fame, a report, etc. to fly high (or a high pitch): to aim at or reach a high pitch of action, feeling, etc. (cf. flight, n.1 3)…

To lag behind (someone or something), in a contest, comparison, etc. Also intransitive.