He will never set the Thames on fire.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “He will never set the Thames on fire.” mean?

"He will never set the Thames on fire" means that someone is unlikely to achieve anything great or remarkable. It originated from the Great Fire of London in 1666, where the River Thames was unable to be used as a source of water to fight the fire. This proverb is often used to describe someone who lacks ambition or drive to achieve anything notable.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I don't think he will ever accomplish anything significant. He will never set the Thames on fire. He seems content with mediocrity.

Example

She's a talented musician, but I doubt she will make a big impact in the industry. He will never set the Thames on fire.

Example

He's always been lazy and unmotivated. He will never set the Thames on fire. I don't expect him to achieve anything remarkable in his life

Is “He will never set the Thames on fire.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“He will never set the Thames on fire.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “He will never set the Thames on fire.” effectively in context?

You can use "He will never set the Thames on fire" to express doubt or skepticism about someone's ability to accomplish something great or remarkable. It emphasizes the idea that the person in question lacks the ambition or drive necessary for extraordinary achievements. For example, if a friend is discussing their career goals and seems to lack motivation, you might say, 'I don't mean to be negative, but based on what I've seen, I think it's unlikely that he will ever set the Thames on fire.'

• 1. Career

  Despite his intelligence, he lacks the drive and determination to succeed. He will never set the Thames on fire.

• 2. Personal Goals

  She has always had big dreams, but her lack of motivation holds her back. He will never set the Thames on fire.

• 3. Academic Performance

  He has the potential to excel academically, but his lack of effort prevents him from achieving greatness. He will never set the Thames on fire.

Similar phrases to “He will never set the Thames on fire.”:

A rolling stone gathers no moss

Someone who is always moving or changing jobs or locations will not accumulate wealth or stability.

Example

He's constantly changing jobs and never settles down. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

Still waters run deep

Someone who appears quiet or reserved may have hidden depths of knowledge or emotions.

Example

She doesn't say much, but she's incredibly intelligent. Still waters run deep.

All talk and no action

Someone who talks about doing things but never follows through or takes action.

Example

He always talks about starting a business, but he never actually does anything. All talk and no action.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “He will never set the Thames on fire.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "He will never set the Thames on fire" dates back to the Great Fire of London in 1666. During the fire, the River Thames was unable to be used as a source of water to fight the flames. This proverb is often used to describe someone who lacks ambition or drive to achieve anything notable.

Is “He will never set the Thames on fire.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "He will never set the Thames on fire" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still recognizable and understood by English speakers. It may be more commonly used in formal or literary contexts.

What tone does “He will never set the Thames on fire.” have?

"He will never set the Thames on fire" conveys a tone of doubt or skepticism. It is often used to express a lack of belief in someone's ability to achieve something remarkable.

Can “He will never set the Thames on fire.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "He will never set the Thames on fire" is considered formal and is more commonly used in written or spoken English in formal settings such as literature, speeches, or academic discussions. However, it can still be used in informal conversations with friends or family.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase "He will never set the Thames on fire" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Based on his lack of ambition and motivation, I believe he will never set the Thames on fire.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He will never set the Thames on fire' to imply doubt about someone's potential for greatness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• he won't make waves
• he won't make a splash
• he won't make a mark
• he won't make an impact

Antonyms

• he will make waves
• he will make a splash
• he will make a mark
• he will make an impact