Set on fire Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɛt/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ
SET-awn-FY-er
sˈɛt/ /ˈɒn/ /fˈaɪə
SET-on-FY-uh
Definition
To make something start burning, either accidentally or on purpose.
Usage & Nuances
Semi-formal; used for both literal (physical fire) and figurative contexts (e.g., 'set passions on fire'). Commonly used with objects ('set the house on fire') and in passive voice ('the building was set on fire'). Often implies intention unless context shows accident.
Spanish: prender fuego - incendiarPortuguese (BR): colocar fogo - incendiarPortuguese (PT): atear fogo - incendiarChinese (Simplified): 点燃 - 放火Chinese (Traditional): 點燃 - 放火Hindi: आग लगानाArabic: إشعال النار - أضرم النارBengali: আগুন লাগানো - জ্বালিয়ে দেওয়াRussian: поджечь - зажечьJapanese: 火をつける - 燃やすVietnamese: đốt cháyKorean: 불을 지르다 - 불붙이다Turkish: ateşe vermek - yakmakUrdu: آگ لگا دینا - جلا دیناIndonesian: membakar - menyalakan api
Example Sentences
They set the pile of leaves on fire.
basic
Don’t set the paper on fire by accident.
basic
Someone set the old house on fire last night.
basic
The fireworks accidentally set the grass on fire.
natural
He went to jail after he set the warehouse on fire.
natural
If you’re not careful, one spark can set this whole place on fire.
natural