light a fire under en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
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.
Meanings
-
(idiomatic, transitive) To motivate or encourage (someone) to start sooner or move faster.
Let me see if I can light a fire under the waiter to get our order sooner.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| lights a fire under | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| lighting a fire under | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| lit a fire under | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| lit a fire under | Tense=Past | lexicographic |