How to Pronounce "a fire under"
expression
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ/ /ˈəndɝ
uh FY-er UN-der
æɪ/ /fˈaɪə/ /ˈʌndɐ
uh FY-uh UN-duh
Definition
To strongly motivate or pressure someone to take action, often by creating a sense of urgency.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ/ /ˈəndɝ
British English
æɪ/ /fˈaɪə/ /ˈʌndɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
uh FY-er UN-der
UK
uh FY-uh UN-duh
Listen in Context
The coach tried to light a fire under the team before the game.
My manager really put a fire under me to finish the project on time.
Sometimes you need a fire under you to get things done.
The boss lit a fire under the whole department after sales dropped.