1. To be very unsuccessful or fail. That guy flamed out really quickly—his NBA career lasted only a few months.
2. To stop working or functioning properly, as due to the presence of, possibly excessive, heat. The mechanic better not tell me my engine flamed out because I don't have enough money to deal with that right now.
flame out
v.
1. To fail: Their new Internet company flamed out after only a few months.
2. To emit a flame that causes a malfunction; to burn out. Used of engines: I tried to restore that old car, but the engine flamed out.