1
general::
Phrase(s): take a fall [and] take a dive
to fake being knocked out in a boxing match. • Wilbur wouldn’t take a fall. He doesn’t have it in him. • The boxer took a dive in the second round and made everyone suspicious.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Also, take a spill. Suffer a fall, fall down, as in You took quite a fall on the ski slopes, didn't you? or Bill took a spill on the ice. 2. Be arrested or convicted, as in He's taken a fall or two and spent some years in jail. [Slang; 1920s]
American Heritage Idioms