catch fire
Begin to burn
To catch fire is to ignite, to begin burning: The curtains caught fire from a candle.
Figuratively, something catches fire when it suddenly gains momentum or widespread enthusiasm: The movement caught fire after the video went viral.
A person who catches fire becomes intensely engaged or inspired: Once she started talking about the project, she really caught fire.
State of eager enthusiasm
- passionIntense emotional drive
- fervorIntense emotional intensity
- zealIntense driving devotion
- ardorIntense emotional warmth
inspiration · motivation · energy · spark · ignite · animate · invigorate · galvanize
Tiny fiery particle
- matchGame between opponents
- kindlingMaterial for starting fires
- lighterComparative of not heavy
- flintSpark-producing sedimentary rock
fuel · combustion · flame · ignite · inflammable · incendiary · arson · accelerant
Visible burning combustion
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- conflagrationLarge destructive blaze
- engulfCompletely surround and cover
- wildfireUncontrolled vegetation blaze
firestorm · burning · embers · smolder · scorch · char · combustion · pyre
Currently gaining widespread attention
- buzzContinuous low drone
- spreadTo distribute widely
- contagiousTransmissible between people
- infectiousAble to spread disease
sensation · phenomenon · wildfire · craze · hype · momentum · traction · explode
excitement
State of eager enthusiasm
ardor · inspiration · motivation · energy · spark · ignite · animate · invigorate · galvanize · electrify
spark
Tiny fiery particle
flint · fuel · combustion · flame · ignite · inflammable · incendiary · arson · accelerant · tinder
flames
Visible burning combustion
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- conflagrationLarge destructive blaze
- engulfCompletely surround and cover
wildfire · firestorm · burning · embers · smolder · scorch · char · combustion · pyre · flaring
trending
Currently gaining widespread attention
- buzzContinuous low drone
- spreadTo distribute widely
- contagiousTransmissible between people
infectious · sensation · phenomenon · wildfire · craze · hype · momentum · traction · explode · take off
- fire idiomsfan the flames, spread like wildfire, go up in flames, go up in smoke, up in smoke
- heat and fireignite, burn, flame, blaze, combust
- momentumbuilding momentum, gain traction, gaining traction, gaining steam, gather steam
catch firefizzle out
Fail after promising start
die out · lose steam · fall flat · peter out · flame out