On fire Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ
AHN-FY-er
ˈɒn/ /fˈaɪə
ON-FY-uh
Definition
Literally, 'on fire' means burning with flames. Informally, it can also mean someone or something is doing extremely well or is very impressive at something.
Usage & Nuances
In formal speech, use for literal burning; the figurative sense ('The team is on fire!') is casual and common in sports or when praising performance. Don't confuse with 'fire' as a verb (to dismiss). Often modified: 'absolutely on fire', 'really on fire'.
Spanish: en llamas - ardiendo - en racha (figurado)Portuguese (BR): em chamas - pegando fogo - arrasando (figurado)Portuguese (PT): em chamas - a arder - arrasando (figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 着火 - 表现极佳Chinese (Traditional): 著火 - 表現極佳Hindi: जल रहा है - शानदार प्रदर्शन (मुहावरा)Arabic: مشتعل - متألق (مجازيًا)Bengali: আগুনে - দারুণ ছন্দে (অপ্রচলিত)Russian: в огне - на высоте (разг.)Japanese: 燃えている - 絶好調（ぜっこうちょう）Vietnamese: bốc cháy - tuyệt vời (thành ngữ)Korean: 불타는 중 - 완전 잘함 (비유적)Turkish: yanıyor - çok iyi durumda (deyimsel)Urdu: آگ میں - زبردست کارکردگی (محاورتاً)Indonesian: terbakar - sedang luar biasa (kiasan)
Example Sentences
The house is on fire!
basic
Her performance was on fire tonight.
basic
Be careful, the pan is on fire!
basic
Wow, your ideas are on fire today!
natural
Their basketball team has been on fire all season.
natural
He finished three projects in one week—he’s on fire!
natural