a colossal bust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a colossal bust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant failure or disappointment, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner. Example: "The highly anticipated movie turned out to be a colossal bust at the box office, disappointing both fans and critics alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In 2009, this trade has all the makings of a colossal bust.

The New York Times - Sports

In the centre of the dome is a medallion containing a colossal bust of Christ as Pantokrator, the All-Ruler.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Signing Freeman could prove to be a colossal bust for Minnesota: his problems with the Buccaneers weren't limited to Schiano, and some of them were self-inflicted.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1545 Cellini left Paris precipitately and returned to Florence, where he was welcomed by Cosimo de' Medici and entrusted with the commissions for his best known sculpture, the bronze Perseus in Florence's Loggia dei Lanzi, where it still stands, and for a colossal bust of the Grand Duke of Tuscany (Bargello, Florence).

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the more successful side of New York, the Yankees were pounding the Red Sox in a rivalry that has certainly shifted momentum, writes The New York Post's Mike Vaccaro, and the Red Sox got a sideways swipe from the successful debut of John Smoltz as a Cardinal, after having been a colossal bust in Boston.

The New York Times

Michael Sheen (so good as Tony Blair in The Queen) conveys the outward aplomb and inner turmoil as Frost tap-dances across the tumultuous, rapidly changing landscape he needs to traverse just to get to that first sit-down with Nixon - which turns out to be a colossal bust.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Zambrano was a colossal flop.

The New York Times - Sports

Archaeologists in the Nile Delta have unearthed a colossal granite bust that could be part of a statue of Queen Nefertari, wife of the legendary Pharaoh Ramses II, antiquities officials said.

The New York Times

The precedent here is the 1992 election, which took place at the tail end of a recession entirely caused by Conservative economic mismanagement that led to a colossal boom bust in the housing market resulting in record home repossessions and business failures, and 3 million people on the dole.

The Guardian - Business

Playing devils advocate for a moment, the two top ten picks Riley has had over the past 12 years resulted in Wade (massive success) and Beasley (colossal bust).The odds of picking a great player shrink significantly once you leave the top 10 of any draft.

Huffington Post

Antoine Canova's gleaming marble, "Colossal Bust of Napoleon as First Consul," features the smooth perfection of gentle contours.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a colossal bust" to describe something that was expected to be successful but turned out to be a major failure, especially when you want to emphasize the scale of the disappointment. Make sure the context aligns with the strong connotation of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a colossal bust" in everyday situations where a simpler term like "failure" or "disappointment" would suffice. The phrase's strong imagery is best reserved for situations where the magnitude of the failure is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colossal bust" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object complement. It describes something that has failed spectacularly. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a colossal bust" is a phrase used to describe a significant failure or disappointment. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is both valid and usable in modern English. Its grammatical function is typically as a noun phrase. Usage is most common in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where you want to strongly emphasize the magnitude of the failure. Alternatives include "a complete failure" or "a major disappointment", but they lack the same emphasis on scale. Be mindful of overuse, as the phrase is most effective when applied to truly significant failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental failure

Replaces "colossal" with "monumental", keeping the emphasis on the grand scale of the failure.

a spectacular failure

Highlights the dramatic and noticeable nature of the failure.

a complete failure

Focuses on the failure aspect, omitting the exaggeration.

a major disappointment

Highlights the disappointment, but without the emphasis on size or scale.

an utter disaster

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the failure.

a total washout

Implies complete and utter failure.

a resounding flop

Similar in meaning, but uses "flop" instead of "bust".

a significant letdown

Downplays the severity compared to "colossal bust".

a grand fiasco

Uses a more theatrical term for failure.

an epic fail

A more informal, modern expression for a large failure.

FAQs

What does "a colossal bust" mean?

The phrase "a colossal bust" refers to something that was expected to be a great success but turned out to be a major failure or disappointment.

How can I use "a colossal bust" in a sentence?

You might say, "The new product launch was "a colossal bust", failing to meet any of its sales targets."

What are some alternatives to "a colossal bust"?

You can use alternatives like "a complete failure", "a major disappointment", or "a monumental failure" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a colossal bust"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the scale and magnitude of a failure, suggesting that the failure was particularly large and disappointing.