VocabJLPT N1
going up in flames
NounSuru VerbIntransitive Verb

Definitions

  1. 1. going up in flames
  2. 2. destruction by fire (esp. of a large building)
  3. 3. stirring up a storm of criticism online (of an article, tweet, statement, etc.)
This noun and verb (used with する) literally means "to go up in flames," but it has developed a strong secondary meaning in modern Japanese internet culture. It describes a situation where someone or something becomes the target of intense online criticism or backlash, similar to being "roasted" or "cancelled" online.

Example sentences

Sentence 1

By the time the paramedics arrived, the car was already engulfed in flames.

Sentence 2

Black smoke spiraled upward as the building burned fiercely.

Sentence 3

In my dream the whole city was burning, and I woke up with my throat parched.

Sentence 4

I went back for the important documents, but the stairwell was on fire and I had to turn back.

Sentence 5

We'll decide on suspending business after assessing the extent of the fire damage.