Got a verbal "we want to move forward" on a Friday call and then four weeks of silence

Recruiter said it plainly, not vague corporate-speak — "we want to move forward, expect something in writing early next week." I told two other companies I was closing out my search. Monday came and went. I followed up Wednesday, got "still finalizing headcount approval, thank you for your patience." That was three and a half weeks ago now. I've restarted applying but it feels stupid, like I'm hedging against something that was supposedly already decided. Anyone had a verbal actually fall through completely, or does it always eventually land somewhere?