It's also a linguistically stupid saying.

If taken literally, one of two things would happen.

You'd fall on your face, or you'd fall on your ass.

I'm a few years too young to be a boomer. But I bought their bullshit for years, and it got me nowhere. I worked very hard most of my life, and what have I got to show for it? Literally less than I started with, and I didn't have a hell of a lot to begin with.

My generation should have called them out, but we didn't. I'm glad yours is, and I hope a few of 'em listen while the rest go to their rest.