Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
light a fire under someone
idiomatic expression
/laɪt ə faɪər ˈʌndər ˈsʌmwʌn/
Definition
To instill motivation or urgency in someone, encouraging them to take action or work harder.
Examples
- The manager tried to light a fire under the sales team to meet their targets.
- After weeks of procrastination, her friend finally lit a fire under her to start studying for the exams.
Meaning
The phrase implies pushing someone to be more active or to improve their performance, often in a way that creates a sense of urgency.
Synonyms
- motivate
- encourage
- stimulate
- spur on
- drive
