Come to grief

usgb
phrase

To meet with disaster or failure.

Their plans to start their own business came to grief.
Visual representation of "come to grief" - To meet with disaster or failure

Often appears as...

  • plans come to grief
  • hopes come to grief
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "come to grief"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

It's often used metaphorically to describe plans or ambitions failing, not just physical disasters.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Many startups come to grief within their first year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

Emphasizes an unexpected negative turn of events, particularly when a plan seemed promising.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Despite careful preparation, their expedition came to grief.
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Not Literal

Does not literally mean to encounter sorrow; it's a figure of speech for failure.

Illustration for Not Literal
His ambitious project came to grief due to lack of funding.
Visual representation of the word "Come to grief"

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