ENGLISH
REFERENCE

draw fire

idiom
Meaning

To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or other associates to gain an advantage over the distracted party.


Examples
SIMPLE

I will draw fire so you can escape.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager decided to draw fire during the meeting, allowing his team to finish their presentation without further interruptions.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    add fuel to the fire

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

  2. 02

    ball of fire

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

  3. 03

    catch fire

    To become engulfed in flames, to combust.

  4. 04

    draw a blank

    To be unable to recall a required piece of information.

  5. 05

    draw a line

    To delimit a boundary or border.

  6. 06

    draw a long bow

    To lie; to exaggerate.

  7. 07

    draw a straight furrow

    To live correctly or ethically, without deviating from the right line of duty.

  8. 08

    draw even

    To attain the same level as a competitor.

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