go up in smoke
Meaning: To disappear; to be ruined.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: The Absurd
Origin: The expression suggests the idea of being burned. It is usually used figuratively to describe work (sentence 1) or plans (sentence 3) but it can be used literally (sentence 2).
More idioms — The Absurd
- good grief! — An expletive that means "This is ridiculous!" or "I've had enough!".
- grasp at straws — To act in desperation with little hope of success.
- half-baked — Poorly planned or thought out.
- hanky panky — Sexual misconduct (sentence 1); mischievous behavior or activity (sentence 2); or suspici…
- hit or miss — Unplanned or random; equally likely to succeed or fail.
- it's all greek to me — Incomprehensible or unintelligible.
More English idioms
- go with the flow — To take a relaxed attitude towards life.
- golden age — A time when something is at its best.
- good samaritan — A person who helps someone in trouble without thought of personal gain.
- grim reaper — Death.
- hair's breadth — A very narrow amount.
- half a mind to do something — Inclined or disposed to do something; to have almost decided to do something.
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