Phrase guide

like a moth to the flame

prep_phrase · 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

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Inescapably allured by something harmful.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I came back and back to the same bad relationship, like a moth to the flame.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the behavior of moths, that are instinctively attracted to light and are sometimes observed to go directly into flames, seemingly committing suicide.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 像飛蛾撲火一樣 /像飞蛾扑火一样 (xiàng fēi'épūhuǒ yīyàng) — inescapably allured by something harmful
  • Finnish: kuin hunaja mehiläisiä — inescapably allured by something harmful
  • Polish: jak ćma do ognia — inescapably allured by something harmful
  • Russian: как ба́бочка к огню́ (kak bábočka k ognjú) — inescapably allured by something harmful
  • Spanish: como cordero al matadero — inescapably allured by something harmful