Fight fire with fire Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈfaɪt/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ/ /ˈwɪð/, /ˈwɪθ/, /wɪð/, /wɪθ/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ

FYTE FY-er with FY-er

UK

fˈaɪt/ /fˈaɪə/ /wˈɪð/ /fˈaɪə

FYTE FY-uh with FY-uh

Definición

To use the same methods as your opponent, especially aggressive or unfair methods, in order to compete or defend yourself.

Uso & Matices

Idiom; usually refers to responding to aggression, unfairness, or hostility with similar tactics. Sometimes has a negative connotation, implying escalation rather than resolution. Used in both formal and informal speech.

• Spanish: luchar fuego con fuego - combatir el fuego con fuego
• Portuguese (BR): combater fogo com fogo
• Portuguese (PT): combater fogo com fogo
• Chinese (Simplified): 以牙还牙 - 以暴制暴
• Chinese (Traditional): 以牙還牙 - 以暴制暴
• Hindi: आग का जवाब आग से देना
• Arabic: مواجهة النار بالنار
• Bengali: আগুনের সঙ্গে আগুনে মোকাবিলা করা - একই কৌশলে পালটা প্রতিক্রিয়া দেখানো
• Russian: клин клином вышибать - бороться огнём против огня
• Japanese: 火には火をもって対抗する
• Vietnamese: lấy độc trị độc - dùng lửa chống lửa
• Korean: 이에는 이로 대처하다 - 불로 불을 다스리다
• Turkish: ateşe ateşle karşılık vermek
• Urdu: آگ کا جواب آگ سے دینا
• Indonesian: melawan api dengan api

Oraciones de Ejemplo

Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire to win.

basic

He decided to fight fire with fire against the competition.

basic

They chose to fight fire with fire instead of talking it out.

basic

If they spread rumors about us, maybe it's time to fight fire with fire.

natural

She never liked to fight fire with fire, but sometimes you have no choice.

natural

You can't always fight fire with fire—it might just make things worse.

natural