Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
crash-and-burn
idiom
/kræʃ ənd bɜrn/
Definition
To fail spectacularly or suffer a sudden and complete failure, often after a period of initial success or optimism.
Examples
- After launching the new product, the company seemed to crash-and-burn when sales plummeted unexpectedly.
- Despite initial enthusiasm, the startup crash-and-burned shortly after failing to secure funding.
Meaning
The term ‘crash-and-burn’ refers to instances where something, such as a plan or project, collapses dramatically after it seemed to be going well. It captures the sense of abrupt failure, where hopes are dashed after a build-up of confidence.
Synonyms
- fail spectacularly
- fall flat
- go down in flames
- flop
