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Play with Fire

What Does "Play with Fire" Mean?

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"Play with fire" is an English idiom. It means "to engage in risky or dangerous activities without fully considering the potential consequences."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "play with fire" used in a sentence:
  • His reckless behavior was akin to playing with fire, as he ignored safety guidelines and warnings.
  • Playing with fire can lead to accidents and disasters, so it's important to exercise caution in high-risk situations.
  • Some people are thrill-seekers and enjoy playing with fire by pursuing extreme sports and adventures.
meaning for play with fire

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Play with Fire" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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