ENGLISH
REFERENCE

set the world on fire

idiom
Meaning

To do something remarkable or sensational.

Origin

disputed origin

With reference to the Bible, the Gospel according to Luke, ch. 12, v.49 Lk.12.49

Examples
SIMPLE

He does not need to set the world on fire to be happy.

CONTEXTUAL

She worked hard at her new job, but she did not expect to set the world on fire in her first month.

COMPLEX

While the young artist possessed undeniable talent, he had yet to set the world on fire with a truly groundbreaking masterpiece.

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

    all over the world

    throughout the world, everywhere, worldwide, globally.

  3. 03

    all set

    Ready, prepared, equipped.

  4. 04

    ball of fire

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

  5. 05

    best of both worlds

    A combination of two seemingly contradictory benefits.

  6. 06

    catch fire

    To become engulfed in flames, to combust.

  7. 07

    come into the world

    To be born.

  8. 08

    coming into the world

    The act of being born; a birth.

Last updated April 17, 2026