set the world on fire
To do something remarkable or sensational.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He does not need to set the world on fire to be happy.”
“She worked hard at her new job, but she did not expect to set the world on fire in her first month.”
“While the young artist possessed undeniable talent, he had yet to set the world on fire with a truly groundbreaking masterpiece.”
The phrase refers to the Bible, specifically the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 12, verse 49. The verse, Lk.12.49, records a statement regarding the arrival of fire upon the earth, providing the scriptural basis for the expression.
- 01
add fuel to the fire
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
- 02
all over the world
throughout the world, everywhere, worldwide, globally.
- 03
all set
Ready, prepared, equipped.
- 04
ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
- 05
best of both worlds
A combination of two seemingly contradictory benefits.
- 06
catch fire
To become engulfed in flames, to combust.
- 07
come into the world
To be born.
- 08
coming into the world
The act of being born; a birth.
Last updated August 10, 2026