In the spirit of the season (Halloween, Bonfire night), in today’s blog post, I will explain some idioms related to fire. You can also watch a live lesson on our YouTube channel with Kate R this Friday on this topic where she explains some bonus fire idioms.
Can’t get enough of English idioms? Check out some of our previous posts on Cat Idioms, Dog Idioms, Business Idioms, Water Idioms and many more! Or download our free ebooks, Essential English Idioms and Essential Business English Idioms.
Like a moth to a flame
This idiom describes someone being drawn towards a person who is dangerous or toxic for them.
He was a typical rockstar with his reckless behaviour and partying lifestyle, but she was like a moth to a flame
To burn the midnight oil
This idiom means to stay up late working on a project. It conjures up the image of a writer sitting at their desk in the early hours of the morning, scribbling away. It refers to the oil lamps that people would use for light before electrical lighting.
Sara has been feeling particularly inspired to write recently, and has been burning the midnight oil.
To burn the candle at both ends
If you burn the candle at both ends, it means that you are staying up late and also getting up early. You aren’t allowing yourself time to rest.
John has been hitting the gym at 6am every day this week and also working late into the night on an important project. I’m worried about him burning the candle at both ends.
(To be) on fire
We can use this expression figuratively to describe someone who is doing really well, achieving lots of things or being very productive.
Simone Biles is on fire right now.
To add fuel to the fire or To fan the flames
These idioms describe making a dangerous or potentially volatile situation worse by antagonising the person.
The presidential candidate added fuel to the fire by making derogatory comments.
This idiom features in this video clip of an interview with Jennifer Aniston on the Graham Norton Show. What does the host use the idiom to describe?
(To be or to get) fired up
This idiom means to become motivated to take action.
After listening to the inspiring speech, the activists were fired up and more determined than ever to raise their voices.
To burn out
If you work too hard, burn the candle at both ends, consistently burn the midnight oil and don’t take proper breaks and prioritise your health, you can burn out. We can also use this as a noun. In today’s modern society, many people suffer with burnout.
You’ve been studying really hard this week. I think you should take the weekend off to relax, otherwise you’re just going to burn out.
To play with fire
This idiom means to engage in something dangerous and risky that could potentially end badly.
Susie is going for a drink with her ex boyfriend. Her friends think she is playing with fire.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire
This idiom is used to describe trying to escape from a bad situation but ending up in a worse one.
The business is in trouble but it is important to take our time and consider the best move. We don’t want to end up jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Did you enjoy these fire idioms? 🔥Which was your favourite? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Intrepid English members can study English idioms in more detail with our extensive Essential English Idioms course in the Intrepid English Academy!
If you enjoyed these idioms you’ll also love our free eBook of Essential English Idioms! Learn twenty-five essential English idioms for all occasions and test your understanding with practice activities. Download your copy right here.
