SINCE 1828
light a fire under (someone)
idiomDefinition of light a fire under (someone)
US, informal
: to cause (someone) to move or work more quickly and effectively
I've never seen him work so hard. Someone must have lit a fire under him.
Comments on light a fire under (someone)
What made you want to look up light a fire under (someone)? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Summer 2019 Words of the Day Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of desideratum?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Summer 2019 Words of the Day Quiz
The Word of the Day takes no vacation.
Take the quiz -
Obscure Shapes
Surprisingly specific words for shapes.
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share light a fire under (someone)
Resources for light a fire under (someone)