What does “Go Down in Flames” mean?
"Go Down in Flames" means to fail or be defeated in a spectacular or embarrassing way.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The team went down in flames during the championship game.
Example
His attempt to start a business went down in flames after just a few months.
Example
The politician's campaign went down in flames after a scandal was exposed
Is “Go Down in Flames” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go Down in Flames” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Go Down in Flames” effectively in context?
You can use "Go Down in Flames" to describe a situation where someone or something fails or is defeated in a spectacular or embarrassing way. It emphasizes the magnitude and dramatic nature of the failure. For example, if a team loses a game by a large margin and with a poor performance, you might say, 'They really went down in flames during the championship game.'
- 1Sports
The team went down in flames during the championship game.
- 2Business
His attempt to start a business went down in flames after just a few months.
- 3Politics
The politician's campaign went down in flames after a scandal was exposed.
Similar phrases to “Go Down in Flames”:
Crash and burn
To fail spectacularly or completely
Example
Their business venture crashed and burned within a year.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go Down in Flames” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go Down in Flames" is unknown.
Is “Go Down in Flames” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go Down in Flames" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe significant failures or defeats in various contexts.
What tone does “Go Down in Flames” have?
"Go Down in Flames" conveys a tone of disappointment and dramatic failure. It suggests that the failure was not only significant but also embarrassing or spectacular.
Can “Go Down in Flames” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go Down in Flames" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a dramatic failure. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Their attempt to win the championship went down in flames.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They really "went down in flames"!' to express disappointment or surprise at a failure.
