Phrase guide

crash and burn

verb · 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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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To fail utterly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: go up in flames, go up in smoke, come to nought, come to nothing

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: go down in flames, go up in flames, go up in smoke, come to nought, come to nothing

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see crash, and, burn.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonym: go down in flames

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: go down in flames

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.