pattern

Failure - Game Over

Explore English idioms that relate to the concept of 'game over', including "Pyrrhic victory" and "go up in smoke".

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English idioms related to Failure
to [come] off (worst|worse)

to be in the least favorable or losing position in a situation compared to others involved

Ex: When the deal collapsed, the smaller company came off worst. 
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to [cut] the ground from under {one's} feet

to do something better or sooner than someone else which will ruin their plans or achievements

Ex: The rival company cut the ground from under our feet by launching the product first. 
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to [eat] {one's} dust

to experience a massive defeat by someone in any competitive situation

Ex: The home team ate their rivals' dust in the final. 
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to [give] {sb} a run for {one's} money

to challenge or compete with someone in a way that surprises or impresses others

Ex: The young player gave the champion a run for his money. 
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to [hold] a candle to {sb/sth}

to be even remotely comparable in quality, skill, etc.

Ex: This new phone can't hold a candle to the old model's battery life. 
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to [lose|give] ground

to give up one's position to the opposing side, resulting in a loss of progress, influence, or control

Ex: The company is losing ground to cheaper competitors. 
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behind the curve

in a position or state that is less advantageous or successful compared to others

Ex: The company fell behind the curve by ignoring online sales. 
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to [walk] all over {sb}

to defeat someone without any difficulty

Ex: The champions walked all over their opponents in the final. 
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to [wipe] the floor with {sb}

to completely beat someone in an argument or competition, particularly in a humiliating way

Ex: The defending champions wiped the floor with their rivals in the final. 
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to [make] mincemeat (out|) of {sb/sth}

to completely defeat or win against someone or something in a convincing and overwhelming manner, whether it be in a competition, argument, game, or other activity

Ex: The champions made mincemeat of their opponents in the final. 
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to [eat] {sb} alive

to easily defeat someone by being more skilled, powerful, or aggressive compared to them

Ex: The champion ate the rookie alive in the first round. 
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to [eat|have] {sb/sth} for breakfast

to easily and thoroughly defeat someone

Ex: The champion ate the rookie for breakfast in the first round. 
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to [have] had {one's} chips

to face a significant setback or failure in one's career, often resulting in the end of one's professional pursuits

Ex: After the scandal, many said the minister had had his chips. 
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to [go] up in smoke

(of plans, hopes, etc.) to come to nothing or fail completely, often resulting in disappointment or loss

Ex: All our plans went up in smoke when the funding was cut. 
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Pyrrhic victory

a victory achieved at the cost of losing so many things in return

Ex: Winning the lawsuit was a Pyrrhic victory because the legal fees ruined the company. 
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Mexican standoff

a situation where multiple parties are at a standstill, and no one is willing to take action to resolve the situation

Ex: The negotiations turned into a Mexican standoff, with neither side willing to compromise. 
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to [beat|knock] the (living|) daylights out of {sb}

to thoroughly beat someone, particularly in a contest

Ex: The champions beat the daylights out of their rivals in the final. 
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