Sayings associated with fire, light and water – some notes on B
water something down – make something (eg a document or statement) less forceful or controversial by leaving out, or changing some details
a smokescreen – said to disguise your real meaning or intentions by describing some other, totally irrelevant activity
Eg We set up a smokescreen for Dad’s birthday party by getting Uncle Bill to invite him out for a drink while we were getting things ready.
set the world on fire – do something remarkable or sensational; not set the world on fire – be unexciting or unsuccessful
Eg ‘Her husband is a nice enough man, but he’s not exactly going to set the world on fire, is he?’ i.e. He is unexciting company, or rather boring. This latest engineering device is going to set the world of architecture on fire.
It makes your mouth water – said of a smell or sight that is so appetising you want to eat it, or to describe an interesting or lucrative project.
Eg The smell of bread baking is making my mouth water.
The idea of a move to Flockton doesn’t exactly make your mouth water, does it?
a baptism by / of fire – a very difficult or painful new undertaking or experience of something
Eg The first project he was given as financial manager was to eliminate the company’s debts – it was a real baptism of fire.
see the light – suddenly understand something you didn’t understand before.
come under fire – be criticized
Eg The local authority came under fire for closing several nursery schools.
a wet blanket – INFORMAL – a person who spoils other people’s enjoyment with their unenthusiastic or disapproving manner
There’s no point inviting Mike to the office party – he’ll just be a wet blanket.
a bright spark – a person who is lively and intelligent; also humorous for a stupid person
Eg The new leader of the Liberal Party is a really bright spark.
Eg Some bright spark forgot to turn the oven off.
Water under the bridge – describes past events, especially negative ones, which are over and done with
"We had an argument about rent when we first moved in together, but that’s all water under the bridge now."
have a few/several, etc. irons in the fire – be involved with many activities or jobs at the same time, usually to make certain that there are always several possibilities available
Eg "If my plans to move to Ireland don’t work out I’ve got a couple more irons in the fire…" – i.e. a couple more options or possibilities which may happen.
The fat is in the fire. INFORMAL – said when something has been said or done that will cause a lot of trouble. "The auditors have just arrived – now the fat will be in the fire.…"