Fire

Page 2 of 2

fan the flames

Meaning: make a bad situation even worse

Example: The president's racist comments are really going to fan the flames of hatred among the crowd. Read more ➺


out of the frying pan into the fire

Meaning: to go from a bad to worse situation

Example: In a bid to gain independence, she agreed to get married early, not knowing she was jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Read more ➺


under fire

Meaning: being shot at

Example: The politician came under fire after it was discovered that he had spend campaign money on lavish parties. Read more ➺


a burnt child dreads the fire

Meaning: everyone avoids repeating a hurting experience again in life

Example: After his first accident, Sam is quite careful in driving now because a burnt child dreads a fire. Read more ➺


add fuel to the flames

Meaning: an action, whether verbal or physical that makes a bad situation even worse

Example: The presidential candidate’s provocative speech in these violent times is only going to add fuel to the flames. Read more ➺


burn fingers

Meaning: to bear an unpleasant result of an action that has been taken in the past

Example: The minister was warned not to venture into this sort of a contract. If he wants to burn his fingers in spite of that then he may continue. Read more ➺


on the back burner

Meaning: to put something (that is to be done) for later

Example: The assignment is on the back burner while I concentrate on writing this play. Read more ➺


burn bridges

Meaning: remove someone's all options of retreat, act decisively

Example: She has already burned his bridges with his previous employer by publicly criticizing their marketing policy. Read more ➺


Share
Share