get on like a house on fire en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
By metaphor, reflecting the notion that housefires are archetypally roaringly quick and robust.
Meanings
-
(qualifier:simile) To immediately start a good relationship with someone.
They've obviously never met before, but are getting on like a house on fire. Both are well-spoken and versed in the Queen's English.
2022 November 16, Paul Bigland, “From rural branches to high-speed arteries”, in RAIL, number 970, page 52:Those two met last Saturday at the party, and because they were both into juggling they got on like a house on fire.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| gets on like a house on fire | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| gotten on like a house on fire | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | US | lexicographic |
| getting on like a house on fire | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| got on like a house on fire | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | UK | lexicographic |
| got on like a house on fire | Tense=Past | lexicographic |
Relateds
like a house afire · hit it off · get along like nobody's business