While "cracked the code" holds a positive connotation of success and accomplishment, its antonyms show the opposite. "Failed to decipher," "missed the mark," "fumbled with the cipher," and "floundered with the code" all point to an inability to solve the problem presented, whether it be a puzzle, a difficult task, or a secret message. These antonyms embody frustration and defeat rather than achievement and understanding. It's important to acknowledge that not everyone can crack every code, and that's okay. Sometimes it takes collaboration, additional resources, or simply time to finally decode the message.