# train wreck

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/train-wreck
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The entire project became a total train wreck.
- The meeting was a complete train wreck because nobody had prepared their reports or agreed on a goal.
- Despite his initial confidence, the candidate's performance during the live debate was an absolute train wreck that damaged his reputation beyond repair.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.