a fire under (someone or something)

a fire under (someone or something)

The motivation to take action. Typically used in phrases like "light a fire under (someone or something)" and "start a fire under (someone or something)." The deadline really lit a fire under us—we never would have gotten all that work done otherwise. Something must have lit a fire under Jenna—she has really started taking her schoolwork seriously.
See also: fire
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • under fire
  • take fire
  • have a/(one's) finger on the button
  • draw (someone's) fire
  • draw fire
  • draw someone's fire
  • fight fire with fire
  • light (something) with (something)
  • light with
  • put out a/the fire