be shot down in flames
be shot down in flames
To be judged harshly and rejected. I thought I'd written a fine campaign speech, but it was shot it down in flames by my team. I can't believe I was shot down in flames in front of the board of trustees!
See also: down, flame, shot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
be shot down in flames
1. If an idea or plan is shot down in flames, it is criticized strongly or not accepted at all. Just six months ago, his idea would have been shot down in flames for its sheer lunacy.
2. If a person is shot down in flames, they are severely criticized or made to look foolish for something that they have done or suggested. Weren't they the band of the month last month? And now they're just shot down in flames.
See also: down, flame, shot
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- shoot (someone or something) down in flames
- shoot down in flames
- shoot somebody/something down
- shoot someone down in flames
- shoot someone or something down in flames
- shoot up
- shoot up on something
- shoot-up
- shot up
- give it one's best shot, to