Idioms for fire

Origin of fire

before 900; (noun) Middle English; Old English fȳr; cognate with Old Norse fūrr, German Feuer, Greek pŷr (see pyro-); (v.) Middle English firen to kindle, inflame, derivative of the noun

OTHER WORDS FROM fire

fir·er, noun coun·ter·fire, noun, verb (used without object), coun·ter·fired, coun·ter·fir·ing. re·fire, verb, re·fired, re·fir·ing. un·fired, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH fire

downsize fire lay off rightsize terminate

British Dictionary definitions for play with fire

fire
/ (faɪə) /

noun

verb

sentence substitute

a cry to warn others of a fire
the order to begin firing a gun, artillery, etc

Derived forms of fire

fireable, adjective fireless, adjective firer, noun

Word Origin for fire

Old English fӯr; related to Old Saxon fiur, Old Norse fūrr, Old High German fūir, Greek pur

Medical definitions for play with fire

fire
[ fīr ]

v.

To generate an electrical impulse. Used of a neuron.

Idioms and Phrases with play with fire (1 of 2)

play with fire

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.

Idioms and Phrases with play with fire (2 of 2)

fire