a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval); the performers could not be heard over the hissing of the audience

[ Syn: hiss , hissing , hushing , sibilation ]

a complete failure; the play was a dismal flop

[ Syn: flop , bust ]

end weakly; The music just petered out--there was no proper ending

[ Syn: taper off , peter out , fizzle out ]