light a fire under
Jolt into action
To light a fire under someone is to motivate them to act more quickly or urgently, as if the heat would get them moving: The deadline lit a fire under the whole team.
Often appears as light a fire under someone's ass for stronger emphasis.
The image suggests prodding someone out of inaction or complacency.
- stimulateProvoke into activity
- motivateCause to act
- inspireStir to action
- encourageUrge forward with support
- get movingCommand to depart
nudge · prod · spark · incite · propel · galvanize · energize · ignite · set in motion · invigorate · spur · provoke · crack the whip · goad · urge · put pressure on · prompt · push
light a fire underpour cold water on
Actively discourage an idea
throw cold water on · extinguish · put out · douse · let slide
light a fire undercoddle
Overindulge or poach gently
baby · mollycoddle · handle with kid gloves · soft-pedal · tread lightly
light a fire underdeflate
Release air from
dampen · quench · demoralize · disillusion · dispirit
light, fire, under, lights, lighted, lighting, lighter, lightest, lightness