set (something) on fire
1. To begin burning something. He was caught setting the records on fire to hide the evidence from prosecutors.
2. To do wonderful or exciting things that cause a great or remarkable sensation; to be extremely popular, famous, renowned, etc. I wouldn't be too concerned with what he thinks of you. For all his money and education, he's hardly setting the world on fire, is he? As a girl, Janet dreamed of setting the stage on fire as a famous actress.