# put out a fire

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-out-a-fire
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To address a problem, especially an unexpected one caused by the incompetence, negligence, or misconduct of another person.

## Examples

- I spent all morning putting out fires for my coworker.
- The manager is constantly putting out fires caused by the new intern's mistakes.
- Instead of focusing on long-term strategy, the director spends his entire day putting out fires created by the negligence of his subordinates.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.