flame out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Register: archaic
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
[O]n being brought home, and giving us ground to suppose he was much worse hurt than he really was, and a fever ensuing, every one flamed out; and all was laid at my door.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To fail due to extinction of flame.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To fail, usually spectacularly.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “flame out” mean?
To become suddenly angry; to break out into indignation or similar emotion; to flare up.
Is “flame out” formal or informal?
flame out is generally archaic.