Burn something to a cinder/crisp

verb phrase

To burn something completely or until it is extremely damaged.

He forgot about the pizza in the oven and ended up burning it to a cinder.

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

Used when something is destroyed beyond repair, not just superficial damage.

After the campfire mishap, the chairs were burned to a crisp.

Pro Tip 2/3

Often used to exaggerate how much something is burned for a dramatic or humorous effect.

I tried to cook a romantic dinner, but burned the steak to a cinder.

Pro Tip 3/3

Implies a negative result, frequently reflecting disappointment or disapproval.

Despite our effort, the project was burned to a crisp.

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