Gone for a burton
phrase
Something is ruined, wasted or destroyed.
I was hoping to sell my old car, but it's gone for a burton now that the engine has broken down.
Often appears as...
- my plans have gone for a burton
- our chances have gone for a burton
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To be lost or missing.
My book has gone for a burton; I can't find it anywhere.
Often appears as...
- my keys have gone for a burton
- my phone's gone for a burton
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To be drunk or intoxicated.
He had too many beers and has gone for a burton.
Often appears as...
- he's gone for a burton
- she's gone for a burton
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
Something is ruined, wasted or destroyed.
I was hoping to sell my old car, but it's gone for a burton now that the engine has broken down.
Often appears as...
- my plans have gone for a burton
- our chances have gone for a burton
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To be lost or missing.
My book has gone for a burton; I can't find it anywhere.
Often appears as...
- my keys have gone for a burton
- my phone's gone for a burton
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
To be drunk or intoxicated.
He had too many beers and has gone for a burton.
Often appears as...
- he's gone for a burton
- she's gone for a burton
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Implicit Frustration
Suggests disappointment or the failing of plans, often because of unexpected events.
My vacation's gone for a burton after that flight cancellation.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-literal Usage
Used figuratively and isn't about actual destruction but about things not going as hoped.
With the main actor sick, our theatre production has gone for a burton.
Pro Tip 3/3British Slang
Primarily British slang, might not be understood or used by English speakers from other regions.
I'm afraid your scooter has gone for a burton - the engine's kaput.
Pro Tip 1/3Implicit Frustration
Suggests disappointment or the failing of plans, often because of unexpected events.
My vacation's gone for a burton after that flight cancellation.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-literal Usage
Used figuratively and isn't about actual destruction but about things not going as hoped.
With the main actor sick, our theatre production has gone for a burton.
Pro Tip 3/3British Slang
Primarily British slang, might not be understood or used by English speakers from other regions.
I'm afraid your scooter has gone for a burton - the engine's kaput.
Pro Tip 1/3Implicit Frustration
Suggests disappointment or the failing of plans, often because of unexpected events.
My vacation's gone for a burton after that flight cancellation.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-literal Usage
Used figuratively and isn't about actual destruction but about things not going as hoped.
With the main actor sick, our theatre production has gone for a burton.
Pro Tip 3/3British Slang
Primarily British slang, might not be understood or used by English speakers from other regions.
I'm afraid your scooter has gone for a burton - the engine's kaput.
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