Phrase guide

light a fire under

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To motivate or encourage (someone) to start sooner or move faster.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • Let me see if I can light a fire under the waiter to get our order sooner.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Referring to a time when, if chimney sweeps were afraid to ascend a chimney, the fire would be lit under them in order to motivate them to climb to the top.