Explanation:

- The underlined idiom "ended in smoke" typically means that something failed to produce the desired or expected result.

- Option 1: yielded no result

- This is the correct interpretation of the idiom.

- It means that despite efforts, the project did not achieve its goals.

- Correct Answer

- Option 2: was delayed

- Delay suggests the project is postponed, but not necessarily a failure.

- This doesn’t align with the meaning of the idiom.

- Option 3: exceeded the budget

- Exceeding the budget implies financial overrun.

- This doesn’t directly relate to failure or lack of results.

- Option 4: was successfully completed

- Success is the opposite meaning of the idiom.

- Ending in smoke implies no positive outcome.