English Reference
Idiom idiom

ball of fire


A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The new intern is a real ball of fire.

CONTEXTUAL

Our team leader is a ball of fire who always finishes projects ahead of schedule.

COMPLEX

Despite her advanced age, she remains a ball of fire, managing three different charities with tireless energy and sharp focus.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    add fuel to the fire

    To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.

  2. 02

    ball hog

    In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.

  3. 03

    ball of malt

    A glass of whiskey.

  4. 04

    balls of steel

    Courage, audacity.

  5. 05

    balls to the wall

    With maximum effort or commitment.

  6. 06

    bust one's balls

    To work very hard; to put in a lot of effort.

  7. 07

    carry the ball

    To lead in terms of responsibility, initiative, or progress.

  8. 08

    catch fire

    To become engulfed in flames, to combust.

Last updated August 10, 2026