play with fire
play with fire
To do something that risks causing one harm, damage, or misfortune; to do something dangerous. They're playing with fire if they think they can get away with dodging these corporate taxes. Jen swears she's being safe when she experiments with drugs, but I think she's playing with fire.
See also: fire, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
play with fire
1. Lit. to use fire as a toy; to experiment with flames and fire. Jimmy! I've told you never to play with fire!
2. Fig. to do something dangerous or risky. (Usually playing with fire.) Be careful with that knife! You are playing with fire! If you mess with Max, you are playing with fire.
See also: fire, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
play with fire
Take part in a dangerous undertaking, as in You're playing with fire if you go behind his back and commit his department. Although the idea behind this metaphor is ancient, it was first recorded only in 1655.
See also: fire, play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
play with fire
take foolish risks.See also: fire, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
play with ˈfire
take unnecessary and dangerous risks: Be very careful, Mike. You’re playing with fire. If you ask me she’s playing with fire, getting involved with a married man.See also: fire, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
play with fire
in. to do something dangerous or risky. Going out at night in a neighborhood like that is playing with fire.
See also: fire, play
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
play with fire
To take part in a dangerous or risky undertaking.
See also: fire, play
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
play with fire, to
To court danger. This metaphor has been around for hundreds of years. Poet Henry Vaughan put it this way in 1655 (The Garland): “I played with fire, did counsell spurn . . . But never thought that fire would burn.”
See also: play
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a/the feel of (something)
- all right
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- (one) could use (something)
- a crack at (someone or something)
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- (one) never would have guessed
- all for the best
- a thing of the past