What does “Gone for a burton” mean?

"Gone for a burton" means that something or someone has been lost or wasted.

What context can I use the in?

Example

All my hard work has gone for a burton.

Example

The money I invested in that business has gone for a burton.

Example

His dreams of becoming a professional athlete have gone for a burton due to his injury

Is “Gone for a burton” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Gone for a burton” 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 “Gone for a burton” effectively in context?

You can use "Gone for a Burton" to express that something has been lost or wasted. It is often used when referring to efforts, investments, or dreams that have not yielded the desired outcome. For example, if a friend tells you that they failed an important exam, you might say, 'All your hard work has gone for a burton.'

1Education
After months of studying, all her efforts have gone for a burton as she failed the final exam.
2Finance
The money he invested in that business venture has gone for a burton as the company went bankrupt.
3Sports
His dreams of becoming a professional athlete have gone for a burton due to his career-ending injury.

Similar phrases to “Gone for a burton”:

Down the drain

To be wasted or lost

Example

All his savings went down the drain after the failed investment.

Out the window

To be lost or wasted

Example

All their hard work went out the window when the project was canceled.

Up in smoke

To be completely destroyed or ruined

Example

Their plans for a perfect wedding went up in smoke when the venue caught fire.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Gone for a burton” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Gone for a Burton" is unknown.

Is “Gone for a burton” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Gone for a Burton" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is considered quite old-fashioned and may not be familiar to many people, especially younger generations.

What tone does “Gone for a burton” have?

"Gone for a Burton" conveys a tone of disappointment and regret. It is used to express the loss or waste of something valuable or significant.

Can “Gone for a burton” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Gone for a Burton" is more commonly used in informal settings. It may sound outdated in formal situations and is not typically used in professional or academic contexts.

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, 'All his efforts have gone for a burton.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, that's gone for a burton!' to express disappointment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

wasted
lost
squandered
futile
in vain