What does “Light a fire under” mean?
"Light a fire under" means to motivate or urge someone to take action quickly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I need to light a fire under my team to meet the deadline.
Example
The coach's halftime speech really lit a fire under the players.
Example
Her passionate speech lit a fire under the audience to get involved
Is “Light a fire under” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Light a fire under” 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 “Light a fire under” effectively in context?
You can use "Light a fire under" to express the need to motivate or urge someone to take action quickly. It emphasizes the importance of urgency and motivation. For example, if you want to encourage your team to work faster to meet a deadline, you might say, 'We need to light a fire under them to get this project done on time.'
- 1Work
I need to light a fire under my team to meet the deadline.
- 2Sports
The coach's halftime speech really lit a fire under the players.
- 3Activism
Her passionate speech lit a fire under the audience to get involved.
Similar phrases to “Light a fire under”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Light a fire under” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Light a fire under" is unknown.
Is “Light a fire under” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Light a fire under" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the act of motivating or urging someone to take action quickly.
What tone does “Light a fire under” have?
"Light a fire under" conveys a tone of urgency and motivation. It's often used in situations where there is a need to inspire or push someone to act promptly.
Can “Light a fire under” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Light a fire under" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of motivating or urging someone to take action quickly. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We need to light a fire under them to get this project done on time.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "light a fire under"!' to imply the need for urgency.
