shoot (someone or something) down in flames

To bring about someone or something's failure. I thought I'd written a fine campaign speech, but my team shot it down in flames. I can't believe he shot me down in flames in front of the board of trustees!

shoot someone down in flames

Fig. to ruin someone; to bring about someone's downfall. (See also go down in flames.) It was a bad idea, okay, but you didn't have to shoot me down in flames at the meeting. I didn't mean to shoot you down in flames.

shoot someone or something down in flames

forcefully destroy an argument or proposal.

1999 BBC Top Gear Magazine I've been shot down in flames by the boys in the Top Gear office for saying this, but I reckon the Porsche Boxster has to be one of the most beautifully sculpted bits of artwork going.

See also: down, flame, shoot, someone, something

shoot somebody/something ˈdown (in ˈflames)

(informal) be very critical of somebody’s ideas, opinions, suggestions, etc: I thought it was a brilliant idea, but she shot it down in flames.

See also: down, shoot, somebody, something

shoot someone down in flames

tv. to ruin someone; to bring about someone’s downfall. (see also go down in flames.) It was a bad idea, okay, but you didn’t have to shoot me down in flames.