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! Did you hear that the developers' plans for a new apartment block were shot down in flames by the city?

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.