“Crash and Burn” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiom “crash and burn” is one of the most popular idioms heard today. If you are scratching your head wondering how someone can say they crashed and burned but are somehow still alive standing in front of you, then you have come to the right place.

Here you will find the meaning of this figurative term and the information about its origin. You will also discover some example sentences and conversations using the term in the correct context to help you understand its meaning further. Lastly, you will see some alternative words or phrases that you can use in place of this popular phrase.

Crash And Burn Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “crash and burn” means to fail at something suddenly that you are attempting to do. It can also mean to fall asleep quickly after some sort of strenuous activity.
Crash and Burn Meaning
Crash and Burn Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does “Crash And Burn” Mean?

“Crash and burn” means to fail spectacularly or disastrously, often after attempting something ambitious. It implies a complete and sudden failure, usually with no recovery.

For example:

  • “His new business idea crashed and burned after only a few months.”

Origin of this Term

There is no specific information regarding the origin of the phrase “crash and burn.” However, many speculate that the phrase comes from the field of aviation and used to describe planes in aerial combat that are shot down in the middle of a fight.

Usage of “Crash And Burn”

  1. In a business or project context:
    • “The startup looked promising, but it crashed and burned within a year.”
  2. In personal challenges:
    • “He tried to juggle too many tasks at once and ended up crashing and burning.”
  3. In relationships:
    • “Their relationship started strong but eventually crashed and burned.”
  4. In sports or competition:
    • “The team was doing great at first, but they crashed and burned in the final quarter.”
  5. In academic performance:
    • “I didn’t study for the exam, and I totally crashed and burned.”

In all these cases, “crash and burn” describes a dramatic or complete failure, often after high expectations or initial success.

Related Terms to “Crash And Burn”

  • Fall flat – To fail completely, especially in an attempt to impress.
  • Hit rock bottom – To reach the lowest point, often after a series of failures.
  • Go up in flames – To fail in a dramatic or sudden way.
  • Bomb – To perform very poorly or fail spectacularly.
  • Flop – A complete failure, especially in entertainment or business.
  • Fizzle out – To fail gradually after a promising start.
  • Faceplant – To fail badly, often in a visible or embarrassing way.
  • Blow it – To make a mistake or fail, often after having a good opportunity.
  • Go down in flames – To fail in a disastrous or dramatic manner.
  • Tank – To fail or collapse suddenly, especially in business or performance.

Alternatives to “Crash And Burn”

Several words can replace the idiom “crash and burn” to convey the same meaning. Some of the words you could use include:

“Crash And Burn” Examples

Example Sentences

  • Sometimes your attempts will be successful; other times you will crash and burn.
  • Just because you crash and burn doesn’t mean you should stop trying.
  • In this business, new products often crash and burn.
  • When I came home, all I wanted to do was to crash and burn on the couch.

Example Conversations

A discussion between father and son.

  • Son: I finally did it, Dad.
  • Father: What did you so this time, son?
  • Son: I finally got the courage to ask Kate out!
  • Father: Did you crash and burn or did she say yes?
  • Son: She said yes!

A discussion between co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: This company will crash and burn in a matter of months if we don’t come up with a solution to this problem.
  • Co-worker 2: I agree. We need to address this quickly and get ahead of it.
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)