What does “Reduce to ashes” mean?
"Reduce to ashes" means to completely destroy something by burning it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The fire reduced to ashes everything in its path.
Example
The old building was reduced to ashes in a matter of minutes.
Example
The forest fire reduced to ashes thousands of acres of land
Is “Reduce to ashes” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Reduce to ashes” 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 “Reduce to ashes” effectively in context?
You can use "Reduce to Ashes" to describe the complete destruction of something by fire. It emphasizes the idea that nothing is left after the fire has consumed it. For example, if a house burns down completely, you can say, 'The fire reduced it to ashes.'
- 1Natural Disasters
After the earthquake, the city was in ruins. Many buildings were reduced to ashes.
- 2War
During the bombing, the entire village was reduced to ashes.
- 3Accidents
The factory fire was so intense that it reduced all the machinery to ashes.
Similar phrases to “Reduce to ashes”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Reduce to ashes” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Reduce to Ashes" is unknown.
Is “Reduce to ashes” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Reduce to Ashes" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in written or formal contexts, such as news reports or historical accounts, to describe the complete destruction caused by fire.
What tone does “Reduce to ashes” have?
"Reduce to Ashes" conveys a tone of devastation and finality. It is used to describe a situation where something is completely destroyed and there is no hope of recovery.
Can “Reduce to ashes” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Reduce to Ashes" is more formal in nature and is typically used in written or formal contexts. It may not be commonly used in casual conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Reduce to Ashes" is usually used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The fire reduced the entire building to ashes.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Everything was reduced to ashes.' to imply complete destruction.
