English Reference
Idiom idiom

train wreck


To ruin utterly and catastrophically, to cause to end in disaster.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The entire project became a total train wreck.

CONTEXTUAL

The meeting was a complete train wreck because nobody had prepared their reports or agreed on a goal.

COMPLEX

Despite his initial confidence, the candidate's performance during the live debate was an absolute train wreck that damaged his reputation beyond repair.


Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    back that train up

    Said to a person who is speaking or acting too hastily.

  2. 02

    gravy train

    An occupation or situation that generates considerable income or benefits while requiring little effort and carrying little risk.

Last updated August 10, 2026