in flames

In a dramatically wrecked state.

is/are in flames [hopes, goals, dreams, projects, etc]

After the third major setback in as many days, their hopes were in flames.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, flames: for example, on fire, aflame.

is/are in flames [aircraft, ships, buildings]

He was shocked to find that the whole building was in flames; how could the fire have spread so quickly?