flame out

flame out

1. To be very unsuccessful or fail. That guy flamed out really quickly—his NBA career lasted only a few months.
2. To stop working or functioning properly, as due to the presence of, possibly excessive, heat. The mechanic better not tell me my engine flamed out because I don't have enough money to deal with that right now.
See also: flame, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

flame out

v.
1. To fail: Their new Internet company flamed out after only a few months.
2. To emit a flame that causes a malfunction; to burn out. Used of engines: I tried to restore that old car, but the engine flamed out.
See also: flame, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • quit on
  • quit on (one)
  • out of wack
  • out of whack
  • be out of fix
  • out of order
  • be (still) going strong
  • be still going strong
  • out of fix
  • up and running