take fire

The phrase "take fire" can describe both literal combustion and metaphorical excitement or attack.

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Definition

B2General

(literal)To ignite and begin to burn.

Example

  • The dry leaves took fire quickly in the hot sun.

C1Military

(technical)To be attacked with gunfire or other weapons.

Example

  • The troops took fire as they advanced towards the enemy position.

B2General

(idiomatic)To become suddenly and intensely excited or passionate.

Example

  • The crowd took fire when the band started playing their favorite song.

C1General

(idiomatic)To be heavily criticized or blamed.

Example

  • The politician took fire from the media after his controversial statement.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "take fire":

catch firedraw fireopen firereturn firewalking firefire outon fireset on firefalse fireback firebin firefight fireshold firefire offtrial by fireflame upunder fireescape firefire upcold fireline of fireblue firego up in flameshang fireset alightdie in a fireburn instatic firefired upspit fireblaze updry fireput out a fireblaze downburn downfire antfire lilyblaze awayburn upfire awayfire in the holebaptism of fireburn awayfire loadflame outfeel the burnfire piketake by stormscorch uptake aimfire and brimstonefire dogadd fuel to the firefire scarflare upshoot off