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Meaning of on fire in English:

on fire

See synonyms for on fire

phrase

  • 1In flames; burning.

    ‘the house was on fire’
    • ‘The intrepid dad ran outside to find his van was on fire and flames were spreading to the front of his home.’
    • ‘A terraced house was on fire, with smoke and flames pouring from the ground and first floor windows.’
    • ‘A log in that unsightly pile writhed as if it were already on fire, though the flames had not quite reached it.’
    • ‘With another soldier, he helped remove a sideboard from a house that was on fire at the request of the woman who lived there.’
    • ‘A next door neighbour, who called the fire brigade, said at first she thought it was her house which was on fire.’
    • ‘If your house was on fire, what one item would you grab as you dashed to safety?’
    • ‘He claimed her neighbour's house was on fire and said she had to grab her valuables and leave.’
    • ‘He recounts the time a journalist asked him what three things he would save were his house on fire.’
    • ‘When they looked outside they realised one of the houses was on fire and screams were heard.’
    • ‘She had realised her house was on fire when she touched a door handle and discovered it was hot.’
    burning, ablaze, blazing, aflame, in flames, flaming, raging, fiery
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    1. 1.1In a state of excitement.
      ‘Wright is now on fire with confidence’
      • ‘The troupe was literally on fire, as they turned, swayed and bent showing amazing skills.’
      • ‘The crowd was literally on fire, as couples jived as if there was no tomorrow.’
      • ‘After a poor performance in Cork the previous weekend the home side were always going to come out on fire.’
      • ‘Trevor Smullen, in the other corner, was also on fire, landing five points from play.’
      • ‘York were on fire and skipper for the day Sean Bass picked up an awkward pass off his toes.’
      • ‘Paddy Murray was on fire and rattled over five exquisite points in a blistering opening half.’
      • ‘Pat Harte was on fire for the entire sixty minutes and scored some crucial points during the game.’
      • ‘They are on fire, a team full of confidence and ability and belief in each other.’
      • ‘He was on fire in the opening 20 minutes but he was also guilty of a lack of finishing touch.’
      ardent, passionate, fervent, intense, excited, aflutter
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