"Came to snuff" is a colloquial expression that is primarily used in informal contexts. It refers to someone or something facing a sudden, abrupt, or decisive end or conclusion, often resulting in their demise, defeat, or extinguishment. The phrase can be understood in the context of the action of "snuffing out," which means to extinguish or put an end to something.
The term "came to" in this phrase implies a moment of realization or culmination, suggesting that a person or entity has reached a point where their fate is sealed or their demise is imminent. This could refer to the outcome of a conflict, a performance, a competition, or any situation where an irreversible event or conclusion is reached.
The word "snuff" is derived from the practice of extinguishing a candle or a flame by pinching it out, thus bringing an end to the light it provides. In a metaphorical sense, when someone or something "came to snuff," it means that their metaphorical flame has been put out, their potential or success has been terminated, and often, they have been defeated or overcome.
Overall, the phrase "came to snuff" carries a connotation of finality, failure, or defeat, indicating the decisive conclusion to a situation or the extinguishment of one's prospects or capabilities.
