10 Fire Idioms and What They Mean
Fire idioms are strong expressions used to talk about danger, energy, anger, or spreading news. These phrases make language more exciting and help us explain different feelings and actions. Here are 10 fire idioms, what they mean, and how to use them.
Play with fire
To take a dangerous risk.
If you skip school, you’re playing with fire.
He’s playing with fire by driving so fast.
Spread like wildfire
To spread very quickly.
The news spread like wildfire through the school.
Her video spread like wildfire online.
Add fuel to the fire
To make a bad situation worse.
Yelling at him only added fuel to the fire.
Don’t add fuel to the fire—stay calm.
Fight fire with fire
To respond with the same strong or aggressive actions.
The team fought fire with fire and played harder.
He fought fire with fire in the argument.
In the line of fire
In danger or being blamed.
The teacher was in the line of fire when parents complained.
She stood in the line of fire to protect her friend.
Get fired up
To become excited or very angry.
He got fired up before the big game.
She gets fired up when people are unfair.
Under fire
Being criticized or attacked.
The company is under fire for its prices.
The coach was under fire after losing the game.
Light a fire under someone
To make someone act or work faster.
The teacher’s words lit a fire under him, and he started studying.
I need to light a fire under myself and get this done!
No smoke without fire
If people are talking about something, there may be truth in it.
People are gossiping—there’s no smoke without fire.
He says it’s not true, but there’s no smoke without fire.
Burned out
To be very tired, usually from too much work.
She’s burned out from studying every night.
He looked burned out after working all weekend.
