in flames

prepositional phrase

In a dramatically wrecked state.

“is/are in flames [aircraft, ships, buildings]”

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Meanings

prepositional phrase
  1. In a dramatically wrecked state.

    is/are in flames [hopes, goals, dreams, projects, etc]

    1 more example

    After the third major setback in as many days, their hopes were in flames.

  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, flames: for example, on fire, aflame.

    is/are in flames [aircraft, ships, buildings]

    1 more example

    He was shocked to find that the whole building was in flames; how could the fire have spread so quickly?

Synonyms & antonyms

Also see
on fire
Cite this entry
APA

in flames. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/in%20flames

MLA

“in flames.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/in%20flames. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “in flames,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/in%20flames.

Source: in flames on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.