set fire to (something)

set fire to (something)

To ignite something; to cause something to catch on fire. He set fire to the fireworks, then ran behind the car for cover. Police arrested the man on suspicion of setting fire to the local post office.
See also: fire, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

set fire to someone or something

 and set someone or something on fire
to ignite someone or something; to put someone or something to flames. The thief set fire to the building. The poor man accidentally set himself on fire.
See also: fire, set
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

set fire to

To cause to ignite and burn.
See also: fire, set
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • set fire to
  • burn through
  • burn through (something)
  • light (something) with (something)
  • light with
  • under fire
  • fire hose
  • on fire
  • have a/(one's) finger on the button
  • be playing with fire