draw fire
To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or other associates to gain an advantage over the distracted party.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I will draw fire so you can escape.”
“The manager decided to draw fire during the meeting, allowing his team to finish their presentation without further interruptions.”
“By publicly questioning the board's decision, the director drew fire, which provided the necessary cover for the junior staff to implement their new strategy unnoticed.”
- 01
add fuel to the fire
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
- 02
ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
- 03
catch fire
To become engulfed in flames, to combust.
- 04
draw a blank
To be unable to recall a required piece of information.
- 05
draw a line
To delimit a boundary or border.
- 06
draw a long bow
To lie; to exaggerate.
- 07
draw a straight furrow
To live correctly or ethically, without deviating from the right line of duty.
- 08
draw even
To attain the same level as a competitor.
Last updated August 10, 2026