
Burn something to a cinder/crisp
Complete Destruction
Used when something is destroyed beyond repair, not just superficial damage.
After the campfire mishap, the chairs were burned to a crisp.
Exaggeration
Often used to exaggerate how much something is burned for a dramatic or humorous effect.
I tried to cook a romantic dinner, but burned the steak to a cinder.
Negative Outcome
Implies a negative result, frequently reflecting disappointment or disapproval.
Despite our effort, the project was burned to a crisp.