pinched out
Squeezed flame dead
Pinched out describes something that has been extinguished or terminated by squeezing, typically a flame or wick between thumb and forefinger.
In geology, a rock layer or vein that pinches out gradually narrows until it disappears entirely.
The phrase extends to anything that tapers to nothing or gets squeezed out of existence: The trail pinched out at the cliff edge.
Her hopes pinched out when the funding fell through.
- taperingProgressive decrease in width
- snuffedExtinguished by pinching
- squeezedPressed firmly together
- thinningReducing density or number
- eliminatedRemoved from consideration
tapered off · suppressed · extinguished · stifled · choked off · nipped · nipped in the bud · narrowed · constricted · crimped · reduced · cut short · termination · curtailed · constrained · fading away · diminished · truncation