What does “Play with fire” mean?
"Play with fire" means to engage in a risky or dangerous activity.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He decided to play with fire by investing all his savings in a risky business venture.
Example
She knew she was playing with fire when she started dating her best friend's ex-boyfriend.
Example
The politician was playing with fire by making controversial statements during the election campaign
Is “Play with fire” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Play with 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 “Play with fire” effectively in context?
You can use "Play with Fire" to describe someone who is engaging in a risky or dangerous activity, emphasizing the potential consequences. For example, if a friend is considering investing all their money in a volatile stock market, you might say, 'Be careful, you're playing with fire.'
- 1Finance
He decided to play with fire by investing all his savings in a risky business venture.
- 2Relationships
She knew she was playing with fire when she started dating her best friend's ex-boyfriend.
- 3Politics
The politician was playing with fire by making controversial statements during the election campaign.
Similar phrases to “Play with fire”:
To lead a risky or adventurous lifestyle
Example
He loves to travel to dangerous places and live dangerously.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Play with fire” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Play with Fire" is unknown.
Is “Play with fire” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Play with Fire" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to warn others about the risks and potential consequences of engaging in dangerous or risky activities.
What tone does “Play with fire” have?
"Play with Fire" conveys a tone of caution and warning. It's often used to advise against taking unnecessary risks or engaging in potentially harmful behavior.
Can “Play with fire” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "play with fire" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of engaging in risky or dangerous activities. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, 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, 'He decided to play with fire and invest all his savings in a risky business venture.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't play with fire!' to imply a warning against risky behavior.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- take a risk
- court disaster
- gamble with fate
- invite trouble
- toy with danger
Antonyms
- play it safe
- avoid risks
- stay out of trouble
- take the cautious approach
- be careful
