E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Cave In.
Shut up! have done! I’ll cave in his head (break it). His fortune has caved in (has failed). The bank has caved in (come to a smash). The affair caved in (fell through). Common American expressions.
1
In the lead diggings, after a shaft has been sunk, the earth round the sides falls or caves in, unless properly boarded; and if the mine does not answer, no care is taken to prevent a caving in.
