Phrase guide

put out a fire

verb · 2 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 address a problem, especially an unexpected one caused by the incompetence, negligence, or misconduct of another person.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The manager had to put out the fire after a raw hamburger was served to a customer.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: put out a fire.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 收拾殘局 /收拾残局 (shōushi cánjú) — to address a problem, especially an unexpected one
  • Finnish: pelastaa tilanne — to address a problem, especially an unexpected one
  • Portuguese: apagar um incêndio — to address a problem, especially an unexpected one