Phrase guide

busted flush

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A potential flush which ultimately was not filled.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK

Topics: card-games, poker

Examples

  • I thought I'd draw another spade, but I ended up with a busted flush.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Anything which ends up worthless despite great potential.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: Reinfall — anything which ends up worthless despite great potential
  • German: Fehlschlag — anything which ends up worthless despite great potential
  • German: Luftnummer — anything which ends up worthless despite great potential
  • German: Flop — anything which ends up worthless despite great potential