English Explanatory Dictionary

light a fire under

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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

Pronunciation

En-au-light a fire under.ogg

Word forms

light a fire under lights a fire under lighting a fire under lit a fire under

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.

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