shoot (someone or something) down in flames
To bring about someone or something's failure. I thought I'd written a fine campaign speech, but my team shot it down in flames. I can't believe he shot me down in flames in front of the board of trustees!
shoot someone or something down in flames
forcefully destroy an argument or proposal. 1999 BBC Top Gear Magazine I've been shot down in flames by the boys in the Top Gear office for saying this, but I reckon the Porsche Boxster has to be one of the most beautifully sculpted bits of artwork going.