"To end in smoke' means _____

Question: "To end in smoke" means _____.

Correct Answer: To come to nothing

The idiom "to end in smoke" refers to a situation or effort that ultimately fails or comes to nothing. This phrase paints a vivid picture, using the metaphor of smoke, which can easily dissipate and leave no trace behind. When something "ends in smoke", it essentially means that all the efforts or plans made were in vain and did not result in any tangible outcome.

The idiom originates from an era when alchemy was practiced. Alchemists would often perform experiments hoping to turn base metals into gold. When these experiments failed, everything would turn to 'smoke', signifying failure to achieve the desired result.

Let's examine why the other choices are incorrect:

1. To create fire: This choice is more literal and does not capture the metaphorical use of the idiom.

2. To go through suffering: While suffering can denote a negative outcome, it does not specifically align with the idiom's meaning of achieving no result.

3. To see fire: Like the first choice, this is a literal interpretation and does not address the idiomatic expression's figurative meaning.

In summary, the idiom "to end in smoke" is best understood as "to come to nothing", accurately capturing the sense of fruitless effort or unachieved success. This interpretation is widely accepted and used in English language to describe failed endeavors.