Fire Idioms

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irons in the fire

Meaning: To be involved in several activities or projects at the same time.

Example: She's launching a podcast, finishing a course, and pitching clients—she clearly has many irons in the fire. Read more ➺


hang fire

Meaning: To delay or postpone an action or decision.

Example: The committee decided to hang fire on approving the new policy until more data was available. Read more ➺


rise from the ashes

Meaning: To recover after complete destruction, failure, or loss.

Example: After the devastating fire, the small town managed to rise from the ashes by rebuilding homes and businesses. Read more ➺


light a fire under

Meaning: To motivate someone to act quickly or with energy.

Example: The coach had to light a fire under the team after their poor first-half performance. Read more ➺


don’t burn your bridges

Meaning: Avoid cutting off every possible way of returning to a situation, leaving no chance to go back.

Example: When leaving your job, don’t burn your bridges; you may want to work there again someday. Read more ➺


baptism of fire

Meaning: First experience of a difficult or challenging situation, often under pressure.

Example: Her first week as a surgeon was a real baptism of fire in the emergency room. Read more ➺


go down in flames

Meaning: Experience a complete and utter failure.

Example: Despite months of preparation, their business went down in flames after a major financial setback. Read more ➺


fight fire with fire

Meaning: respond to an aggressive or harmful action by using similar tactics.

Example: When competitors started lowering their prices, the company decided to fight fire with fire and reduced their prices too. Read more ➺


burning question

Meaning: an urgent or pressing query that requires immediate attention.

Example: The burning question after the town hall meeting was how the new policy would affect local businesses. Read more ➺


to be loaded

Meaning: to be very wealthy or affluent.

Example: He recently sold his company; he's loaded. Read more ➺


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