Sayings associated with fire, water and light – some notes

There’s no smoke without fire. SAYING meaning that if unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably a good reason for it.
Eg The rumours about Jane being dismissed from her job for incompetence are not true, but there’s no smoke without fire……

light at the end of the tunnel signs of improvement in a situation which has been bad for a long time, or signs that a long and difficult piece of work is almost completed
Eg As the holiday approached, I felt that at last I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

play with fire – act in a way that is very dangerous or risky eg He’s playing with fire, running up such enormous debts.

a leading light – an important and respected person in a group or organization
Eg I think that man over there is some leading light in/of the theatre world.

fireproof – able to block out flames, fire or great heat

the waterfront – the part of a town or city alongside a river, lake or sea.

glow – strong feeling of pleasure, satisfaction or well-being
Eg When Janine got into the Royal College of Music she felt a real glow of achievement – i.e she was proud and happy

The Big Smoke INFORMAL – a large city, especially London
She’s working in the Big Smoke.

pour/throw cold water on sth – criticize someone’s opinions or ideas and stop people believing them or being excited about them

Out of the frying pan into the fire. SAYING said when you move from a bad or difficult situation to one which is worse.
Eg Accepting the job of bank manager could just mean you get / jump out of the frying pan into the fire.

a smoking gun – an incriminating piece of evidence

an old flame – a person that you loved or had a sexual relationship with in the past