Shoot down in flames

Meaning

Destroy an argument or theory.

Examples

They sent their perpetual motion ideas to the Royal Society. Of course, it was all nonsense and they were shot down in flames.

Where did it originate?

Britain, 1940s. An allusion to fighter planes being shot down.

Where is it used?

Worldwide, although rather old-fashioned.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Shoot down in flames