catch fire

phrase

1

: to become ignited

2

: to become fired with enthusiasm

3

: to increase greatly in scope, popularity, interest, or effectiveness

The idea failed to catch fire.

Examples of catch fire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mookie Betts caught fire, Kyle Tucker came alive, Will Smith found his groove after missing nearly three months because of a neck injury. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Investigators say the circumstances surrounding a yacht that caught fire in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Wednesday morning appear to be suspicious, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue said. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

This year, with The Odyssey and Project Hail Mary representing the majority of Oscar-contending performances already in the mix, space is wide open for new contenders to catch fire during festival season and blaze all the way to the Oscars in March. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

In January 2025, a lithium battery storage facility at the power plant caught fire, leading to 1,200 nearby residents being evacuated and a state of emergency being declared. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for catch fire

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flier
• flyer
• friar