in flames
prep_phrase1
In a dramatically wrecked state.
- is/are in flames [hopes, goals, dreams, projects, etc]
- After the third major setback in as many days, their hopes were in flames.
2
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, flames: for example, on fire, aflame.
- is/are in flames [aircraft, ships, buildings]
- He was shocked to find that the whole building was in flames; how could the fire have spread so quickly?
- Related terms
- go down in flames, go up in flames, go up in smoke