How to Pronounce "light a fire under"
expression
ˈɫaɪt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ/ /ˈəndɝ
LYTE-uh-FY-er-UHN-der
lˈaɪt/ /æɪ/ /fˈaɪə/ /ˈʌndɐ
LYTE-uh-FY-uh-UN-duh
Definition
To strongly motivate someone to take action or work harder, often by urging, encouraging, or putting pressure on them.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫaɪt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ/ /ˈəndɝ
British English
lˈaɪt/ /æɪ/ /fˈaɪə/ /ˈʌndɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LYTE-uh-FY-er-UHN-der
UK
LYTE-uh-FY-uh-UN-duh
Listen in Context
Our coach tried to light a fire under us before the game.
The boss wants to light a fire under the team to finish the project on time.
Sometimes you need to light a fire under yourself to get started.
Her teacher really lit a fire under her, and now she's studying hard every night.