burn (someone or something) to a cinder

burn (someone or something) to a cinder

1. To burn something, typically when cooking it, to the extent that it is completely charred and blackened. I forgot about the bread I'd put in the oven and burned it to a cinder.
2. To burn someone severely (typically referring to sunburn). Often used in passive constructions. If you lay on the beach all day without any sunscreen, you'll get burned to a cinder.
See also: burn, cinder
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

burned to a cinder

burned very badly. [Very often used figuratively.] I stayed out in the sun too long, and I am burned to a cinder. This toast is burnt to a cinder.
See also: burn, cinder
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

burn to a cinder

Also, burn to a crisp. Destroy by fire; overcook. For example, If I stay in the sun too long, I'll be burnt to a cinder, or He's an awful cook-dinner was burnt to a crisp. Although both expressions can be used literally, they also function as hyperbole, as in the examples.
See also: burn, cinder
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

burnt to a cinder (or crisp)

completely burnt through, leaving only the charred remnant.
See also: burnt, cinder
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • burn (someone or something) to a crisp
  • burn to a cinder
  • burn to a crisp
  • burned to a cinder
  • burnt to a cinder
  • cinder
  • clip (something) out of (something)
  • clip out of
  • end in
  • end in (something)