flare-up

noun

1. a sudden burst of fire or light

2. informal,  a sudden burst of emotion or violence

verb

1. to burst suddenly into fire or light

2. informal,  to burst into anger

Idioms and Phrases

Suddenly become angry, as in She flared up at the slightest provocation. This metaphoric expression, dating from the mid-1800s, transfers a sudden burst of flame to sudden rage.

Example Sentences

In this more recent flare-up, China's foreign ministry said that Takaichi's remarks were "a gross interference in China's internal affairs".

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As a standard precaution, the hoses had been left there in case hidden embers sparked a flare-up.

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Still, underlying issues remain unresolved, suggesting a continued risk of a flare-up in tensions between Beijing and Washington.

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Most important, the leaders said they would hit pause on measures that fueled the latest flare-up.

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If he sits out, there could be another flare-up.

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Related Words

• blowup 
• epidemic 
• eruption 
• explosion 
• outburst