fizzle out

Idioms and Phrases

Fail, end weakly, especially after a hopeful beginning. For example, The enthusiasm for reform has fizzled out in this state . The word fizzle dates from the early 1500s and meant “to break wind without making noise.” Later it was applied to hissing noises, such as those made by wet fireworks, and then to any endeavor that ends in disappointment. [ Colloquial ; mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

They fizzle out if they lack the character which the woman admires.

From Project Gutenberg

And if he gets to knowing how good he is, hes likely to get fond of himself and fizzle out.

From Project Gutenberg

I always heard that the sun c'd force a feller to take his coat off, when the wind made a dead fizzle out of the job.

From Project Gutenberg

The first is that mysterious nullifying force by which such movements usually do fizzle out.

From Project Gutenberg

But if you do, Henderson will back out, and Brace, and the whole thing will fizzle out before its fairly begun.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deteriorate
• disappear
• end
• expire
• fail
• fall
• pass
• stop
• vanish