sparks fly

sparks fly

1. There is a lot of animosity, arguing, or angry tension (between two people). The two managers have drastically different ideas of how the business should be run, so sparks fly whenever they are in a meeting together.
2. There is a lot of romantic and sexual chemistry (between two people). Sparks flew when I first met my husband. We just had a natural connection that has survived to this day.
See also: fly, Sparks
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

sparks fly

1. If sparks fly between two people, they get angry with each other and argue. They are not afraid to tackle the issues or let the sparks fly when necessary. Tempers flare and sparks fly with great ferocity as the couple argue.
2. If sparks fly between two people, they are very excited by or interested in each other, often in a sexual way. Whenever these two actors are on screen, sparks fly.
See also: fly, Sparks
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

sparks fly

a discussion becomes heated or lively.
See also: fly, Sparks
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • that was then, and this is now
  • arguing for the sake of arguing
  • argument
  • wave the bloody shirt
  • metamorphose into
  • transform
  • transform into (someone or something)
  • transform to
  • find common ground
  • common ground
References in classic literature
Sure as I'm a livin' man born to trouble as the sparks fly upward, just as sure am I that it makes 'm happy to do tricks for me .
Michael Brother of Jerry
You're born to trouble as the sparks fly upward, an' I'm afraid you allers will be till you learn to bridle your unruly tongue."
Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm
He took the lighted pipe that was offered to him, gripped it in his fist, and tapped it on the floor, making the sparks fly, while he continued to shout.
War and Peace
And now we are by the smithy, where the fire is blazing, and where the half-naked men are banging with their hammers till the sparks fly about.
Andersens Fairy Tales
And there is no doubt that we are born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.
Annes House of Dreams
this world is only a probation, and man was born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.
Three Men In A Boat
But it's to trouble he'll come with Wolf Larsen, as the sparks fly upward.
The Sea Wolf
I saw sparks fly from those yellow eyes and, before I had time to say a word, I received a blow on the head that stunned me.
Phantom of the Opera
SPARKS fly as racing cars collide at high speed while others spin across the track during a massive pile-up.
21-car pile-up halts race
The former actress was in two movies on the network - 2014's "When Sparks Fly" and 2016's "Dater's Handbook" - and (https://www.ibtimes.com/meghan-markles-hallmark-channel-costumers-share-sweet-memories-ahead-royal-wedding-2656551) her costume designers from those flicks had no trouble remembering their time working with Markle when International Business Times spoke with them earlier this year.
Meghan Markle's Hallmark Costumers Discuss Working With The Star
THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME (15) HHH HH SUPERMARKET cashier Audrey Stockton (Mila Kunis) meets Drew Thayer (Justin Theroux) in a bar and sparks fly. Their whirlwind romance ends abruptly with Drew dumping Audrey by text.
The Spy Who Dumped [...]
Will you bounce into them on the adult-sized bouncy castle, or will sparks fly over salsa?
First Dates is opening a cafe at the NEC for The Dating Show; The brand new event is designed for singles of any age
As a machinist with layman's knowledge of metallurgy, I will however offer one critique of Steve's fine article, in which he states "sparks fly, metal is removed, and a sharp edge is created." True, but that finite new edge will have been damaged by the heat generated during the sharpening process, as evidenced by the sparks flying.
A Sharper Blade
When they meet again, sparks fly and they risk a scandal.
Books A Question Of Trust [...]; Staying in RecipeOF THE WEEK Your ultimate home comforts 38 SUNDAY MIRROR SUNDAY 01.10.2017 SMUULS
Ben is arrested | Brad decides to move back home to help Terese as she recovers from her injuries, while sparks fly between Amy, Kyle and Shay at an interstate pool competition.
NEIGHBOURS - FIVE