catch (on) fire

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!
See also: catch, fire
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.
See also: catch, fire
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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]
See also: catch, fire
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

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.
See also: catch, fire
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

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.
See also: catch, fire
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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.
See also: catch, fire
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • catch fire
  • under fire
  • open fire on (someone)
  • have a/(one's) finger on the button
  • draw (someone's) fire
  • draw fire
  • draw someone's fire
  • put out a/the fire
  • a fire under (someone or something)
  • miss fire