flame out

flame + out

flame out (third-person singular simple present flames out, present participle flaming out, simple past and past participle flamed out)

1. Of processes and equipment involving combustion, to fail due to extinction of flame.
   • 1967, American Labor Arbitration Awards, vol. 11, Prentice-Hall,

     If on flame out, steam pressure goes below 75# you must go back on gas to return [....] The grievant replied that If he did so, the boiler would flame out.

   • 2000, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hot mix asphalt plants technical systems audit of testing at plant "C", EPA-454R-00-026,

     On 24 July 1998, the silo THC analyzer's FID flamed out and could not be relighted.

   • 2004, Philip P. Walsh and Paul Fletcher, Gas Turbine Performance, page 487:

     Restarting in flight is a very important engine capability for all aircraft, as occasionally engines do flame out.

2. (figuratively) To fail, usually spectacularly.
3. To cease suddenly or to slow down after functioning at a high level or to an intense degree; to give up on or burn out on something previously important.

   Mary's temper flamed out