What does the Idiom “To End in Smoke” Mean?
A. To achieve great success
B. To end in failure or disappointment
C. To be on fire
D. To disappear suddenly
Explanation:
The idiom “to end in smoke” means that something has failed or not succeeded as planned, often resulting in disappointment or frustration. The phrase suggests that something has disappeared or dissipated, leaving behind only the remnants of smoke.
Understanding the Idiom “To End in Smoke”
Origin and Meaning
The origin of the idiom “to end in smoke” is uncertain, but it has been used in English since the 1500s to describe a situation in which something has failed or come to nothing. The phrase suggests that something has vanished or burned away, leaving only a trace of smoke behind.
Usage and Examples
The phrase “to end in smoke” can be used in a variety of contexts to describe a situation in which something has failed or not succeeded as planned. For example:
“Their plans for a new business venture ended in smoke when they couldn’t secure funding.”
“The politician’s promises to reform the system ended in smoke when he was caught up in a corruption scandal.”
“The team’s hopes of winning the championship ended in smoke when they lost the final game.”
In each of these examples, the phrase “to end in smoke” is used to describe a situation in which something has failed or not succeeded as planned.
Synonyms and Related Phrases
Some synonyms and related phrases for “to end in smoke” include:
To come to nothing
To fizzle out
To be a damp squib
To fall through
To end in disappointment
These phrases all describe the same idea: that something has failed or not succeeded as planned.
Conclusion
The idiom “to end in smoke” is used to describe a situation in which something has failed or not succeeded as planned, often resulting in disappointment or frustration. This phrase has been used in English since the 1500s, and is still in common usage today. Understanding this idiom can help you better understand and communicate with English speakers.