What does the idiom "Go down in flames" mean?

Are you using the idiom Go down in flames but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the Go down in flames idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "Go down in flames"

Meaning

The expression "go down in flames" is a metaphor that suggests a disastrous or catastrophic failure. It is often used to describe a situation in which a plan or person fails in a spectacularly public and embarrassing way. In other words, it is the idea that something can crash and burn.

Etymology

The phrase "go down in flames" likely originated in the military during World War II. It is likely inspired by the visual image of an airplane or other military vehicle suffering an explosive crash or being shot down in a fight. This phrase was quite popularized among military/pilot groups and it eventually found its way into mainstream usage.

Usage

The phrase "go down in flames" can be used for a variety of contexts and meanings. It can be used to describe any situation in which something falls apart quickly and dramatically, often with disastrous consequences. It is often used to describe a business venture or plan that fails quickly or a person who experiences a major public embarrassment. This phrase can also be used sarcastically to describe a situation that may not be explicitly disastrous but is still considered to be a failure.

Example Sentences

  • The company's new product launch went down in flames due to numerous technical glitches.
  • The team's season was over before it began, going down in flames after the star player was injured.
  • The presentation was a disaster, going down in flames in front of the entire board of directors.
  • The politician's career went down in flames after the scandal broke.

The meanings of the words in the "Go down in flames" idiom

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.

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