Go up in smoke

usgb
verb

To completely fail or be ruined.

Our plans for a picnic went up in smoke when it started to rain.
Visual representation of "go up in smoke" - To completely fail or be ruined

Often appears as...

  • plans go up in smoke
  • dreams go up in smoke

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "go up in smoke"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Usage

Often used metaphorically to describe wasted efforts or failed ambitions, not just actual plans.

Illustration for Metaphorical Usage
After failing the audition, her dreams of becoming an actress went up in smoke.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

The phrase implies a sense of disappointment or a negative outcome to a hopeful situation.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Their championship hopes went up in smoke after the star player got injured.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Irreversible Consequence

Used to express that something has been irreversibly damaged or lost.

Illustration for Irreversible Consequence
The secret recipe went up in smoke when the chef passed away without writing it down.
Visual representation of the word "Go up in smoke"

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