Hold your feet to the fire Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To pressure someone to take action or be accountable, especially by insisting they do what they promised or are responsible for.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal and figurative. Common in business and politics to mean enforcing accountability, not literal punishment. May sound strong—use with care in direct conversations. Often used as 'hold someone’s feet to the fire.'
Example Sentences
The manager will hold your feet to the fire if the report isn’t ready on time.
basic
Parents sometimes hold their children’s feet to the fire about homework.
basic
The teacher held the students’ feet to the fire after poor test results.
basic
Don’t worry, I’ll hold his feet to the fire until he finishes the job.
natural
The media is holding the politician’s feet to the fire on this issue.
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If the team doesn’t improve, the coach will definitely hold their feet to the fire.
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