English Idiom – Play with fire.
To take a risk or do something dangerous, especially when the consequences of doing so could be serious or even catastrophic.
The extended version of this idiom is if you play with fire, you get burned. This expression can be used as a warning that risky or dangerous actions often lead to harm.
The idiom too many irons in the fire can be used when you have too many things to do at the same time.
Related ‘Dangerous’ Expressions:
- Canary in a coalmine (idiom) – Someone or something that is an early warning of danger,
- Caught with your pants down (idiom) – To be caught doing something risky or embarrassing.
- Let sleeping dogs lie (idiom) – To avoid talking about something that might cause trouble.
- On thin ice (idiom) – To be in a dangerous or risky situation.
- Swimming with sharks (idiom) – To operate among dangerous or risky people.
Usage:
When could you use this idiom?
- When someone is taking a risk that could have serious consequences.
- A family member has started engaging in dangerous behavior.
- Your colleague is ignoring warnings or advice from their boss.
- When someone is getting involved with people or activities that could be dangerous.
Example:
- “He’s playing with fire by getting involved with that group of people.”
In the News
Spotted in the newsRussian FM: US playing with fire, encouraging separatism in Kurdish region in Syriapresstv.irWhat is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
To do something risky that could get you into trouble.
Usually not. It is a warning about any dangerous or risky behaviour.
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