ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come to nothing

idiom
Meaning

To fail completely; to have no result.


Examples
SIMPLE

All his hard work came to nothing.

CONTEXTUAL

We spent months planning the event, but the bad weather meant all our efforts came to nothing.

COMPLEX

Despite the grand promises made during the initial negotiations, the entire project ultimately came to nothing when the funding was suddenly withdrawn.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    blow to kingdom come

    To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).

  3. 03

    Christmas come early

    Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

  4. 04

    come a cropper

    To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.

  5. 05

    come a long way

    To make significant progress.

  6. 06

    come again

    A polite formula used when one has not heard or understood what has been said, or to indicate surprise.

  7. 07

    come alive

    to become responsive and animated.

  8. 08

    come along

    To arise, appear (make an appearance), come into being.

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