Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to-fight-fire-with-fire
idiom
/tə faɪt faɪər wɪð faɪər/
Definition
To respond to an attack or difficult situation by using the same methods as the person or group that is attacking or causing the difficulty.
Examples
- When the rival company started spreading false rumors, we decided to fight fire with fire and launched our own campaign to set the record straight.
- She felt that the only way to deal with the bully was to fight fire with fire by standing up to him.
Meaning
This phrase suggests that one can combat a negative situation by using similar tactics to those employed by the opposition.
Synonyms
- counterattack
- retaliate
- respond in kind
- give as good as one gets
