catch fire
Idioms-
Be ignited, as in This wood is dry enough to catch fire . [c. 1600] Also see set on fire .
-
Become inflamed with enthusiasm or passion, as in His ideas caught fire all over the country . [Early 1700s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He and thousands of others were ready to roll the dice, and meanwhile, Raman began to catch fire with young progressives who were voting for her rather than against Bass.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2026
Their defence has been one of the league's best, Will Reichard is yet to miss a kick and - although their offence is yet to catch fire - the Vikings keep grinding out victories.
From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2026
The idea was liable to catch fire between us.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
The result, says founder and CEO Antonio Baclig, are battery cells that can’t catch fire at all.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
Names that catch fire and leave a burnt smell in the air.
From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
