Visualize how a pancake is completely flat to understand this expression's meaning.

Comparative Imagery

The phrase is often used to exaggerate flatness, even when something isn't literally that flat.

Exaggeration

Avoid using this expression to describe things that are usually flat; it's meant to emphasize an unusual degree of flatness.

Remember that this expression can be figurative when describing energy or health.

Don't interpret the phrase literally when it's about a person; it's not about the body, but the state of exhaustion.

Use it to describe events or stories with a lack of emotional highs or variety.

It's perfect for emphasizing how disappointingly plain or uneventful something was.