Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

in flames

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.03 in modern English

Syllables: in- flames
IPA

13

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

In a dramatically wrecked state.

prep_phrase

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

Example Sentences

"is/are in flames [hopes, goals, dreams, projects, etc]"
"After the third major setback in as many days, their hopes were in flames."
"is/are in flames [aircraft, ships, buildings]"
"He was shocked to find that the whole building was in flames; how could the fire have spread so quickly?"

Phrases

go down in flames go up in flames go up in smoke

Frequently Paired Words

go down in flames go up in flames go up in smoke

Questions

What does in flames mean?: In a dramatically wrecked state.

How to pronounce in flames

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “in flames”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “in flames”.
Repeat and practice — Say “in flames” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.