The term 'COMES UP SHORT' is an idiom that means to not reach a desired goal or expectation. The crossword solutions for this term are 'LOSES, ' 'OWES, ' 'LACKS, ' 'WANES, ' 'FAILS, ' and 'FAIL.' To 'LOSE' is to be unsuccessful in achieving a desired outcome, while to 'owe' is to be indebted to someone else. To 'LACK' is to be without something necessary or desirable, and to 'WANE' is to gradually decrease in size, intensity, or strength. To 'FAIL' is to not succeed in doing something, while to 'FAIL' is to not meet the required standard. All of these words can be used to describe not reaching a desired goal or expectation.