strike a match
Friction starts fire
To strike a match is to ignite it by scraping it against a rough surface, creating friction that lights the combustible tip.
The phrase extends to any act of ignition: She struck a match and held it to the candle.
Figuratively, to strike a match can mean to spark conflict or passion.
- matchstickFriction-lit fire starter
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- matchboxHolder for fire sticks
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- ignitionStarting combustion process
phosphorus · sulfur · spark · light a fire · fire starter · smoke alarm · oxidation · heat transfer · energy release · flame · exothermic reaction · controlled burn · wooden stick · play with fire · pyrolysis · chemical compounds · smoking section · fire extinguisher