Play with fire
verb
To do something risky or dangerous that could result in bad or harmful outcomes.
You're playing with fire if you continue to skip class and neglect your studies.
Often appears as...
- play with fire and get burned
- play with fire by ignoring
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To do something risky or dangerous that could result in bad or harmful outcomes.
You're playing with fire if you continue to skip class and neglect your studies.
Often appears as...
- play with fire and get burned
- play with fire by ignoring
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Meaning
Understand that 'play with fire' refers metaphorically to taking unnecessary risks, not actual fire.
Investing all your savings in one stock is like playing with fire.
Pro Tip 2/3Consequence Aware
Remember, the phrase often implies negative consequences as a result of risky actions.
You might be playing with fire if you cheat on the exam.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Usage
Recognize 'play with fire' is an idiom and shouldn't be taken literally in conversations.
Spreading rumors about your boss is playing with fire.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Meaning
Understand that 'play with fire' refers metaphorically to taking unnecessary risks, not actual fire.
Investing all your savings in one stock is like playing with fire.
Pro Tip 2/3Consequence Aware
Remember, the phrase often implies negative consequences as a result of risky actions.
You might be playing with fire if you cheat on the exam.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Usage
Recognize 'play with fire' is an idiom and shouldn't be taken literally in conversations.
Spreading rumors about your boss is playing with fire.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Meaning
Understand that 'play with fire' refers metaphorically to taking unnecessary risks, not actual fire.
Investing all your savings in one stock is like playing with fire.
Pro Tip 2/3Consequence Aware
Remember, the phrase often implies negative consequences as a result of risky actions.
You might be playing with fire if you cheat on the exam.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Usage
Recognize 'play with fire' is an idiom and shouldn't be taken literally in conversations.
Spreading rumors about your boss is playing with fire.
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