Question

to shoot down in flames - I thought it was a good idea, but the boss shot it down in flames.  - She shot me down in flames when I suggested asking my parents to look after the children.

Accepted Answer

to severely criticize someone; to reject their idea or proposal

Idiom	to shoot down in flames
Definition	to severely criticize someone; to reject their idea or proposal
Examples	- I thought it was a good idea, but the boss shot it down in flames. - She shot me down in flames when I suggested asking my parents to look after the children.

Flames I Shot Shoot Severely Criticize Reject Idea