Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to-fight-fire-with-fire
idiom
/tə faɪt ˈfaɪər wɪð ˈfaɪər/
Definition
To respond to an attack or aggressive action by using similar methods or tactics.
Examples
- When the cyberbully started targeting her online, she decided to fight fire with fire by posting her own rebuttals.
- In negotiations, he believed it was essential to fight fire with fire to achieve a better deal.
Meaning
The phrase suggests that when dealing with a difficult or aggressive situation, one can effectively counter it by employing the same strategies as the opponent.
Synonyms
- Give as good as you get
- Fight back
- Retaliate
