catch (on) fire
To begin to burn, usually after being touched by an existing fire. Hey, keep an eye on that pan, I don't want our dinner to catch on fire. I blew out all the candles so, don't worry, the house won't catch fire! I was sitting too close to the fireplace and my sleeve caught on fire!
catch (on) fire
to ignite and burn with flames. Keep your coat away from the flames, or it will catch fire. The curtains blew against the flame of the candle and caught on fire.
catch fire
1. Be ignited, as in This wood is dry enough to catch fire. [c. 1600] Also see set on fire.
2. Become inflamed with enthusiasm or passion, as in His ideas caught fire all over the country. [Early 1700s]
catch fire
If something such as an event or performance catches fire, it becomes exciting, entertaining, and enjoyable. For me, the film never quite catches fire. The play only really catches fire once Aschenbach falls in love.
catch fire
1 begin to burn. 2 become interesting or exciting. 2 1994 Coloradoan I do not think this is something that's going to catch fire as a trend.
catch fire
1. To ignite.
2. To become very enthusiastic.
3. To become the subject of great interest and widespread enthusiasm: an idea that caught fire all over the country.