play with fire

1. Take part in a dangerous undertaking, as in You're playing with fire if you go behind his back and commit his department. Although the idea behind this metaphor is ancient, it was first recorded only in 1655.

Example Sentences

When you play with fire, you normally get burnt.

From BBC

Leaderships in both Iran and Israel were both "under pressure at home, facing international criticism and are clearly ready to play with fire", he warned.

From BBC

“If you’re going to play with fire that way, then you need to own the burn.”

From New York Times

Beijing accused the Philippine vessels of intruding into Chinese territorial waters, warning Manila not to “play with fire” and saying China would continue to take actions to defend its sovereignty.

From Seattle Times

“I know myself and I don’t want to play with fire any longer.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• compromise 
• defy 
• endanger 
• imperil 
• jeopardize