Go down in flames

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. Go down in flames meaning, in what situations is it 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 power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.