fireworks
n.-
1 explosive displays (n.) A2 Elementarysmall objects that explode to make bright colors and loud noises in the sky during celebrations.
devices containing gunpowder and other chemicals that cause spectacular explosions when ignited, typically for public entertainment.
ExampleThe city organized a massive display of fireworks to celebrate the New Year.
ExampleSpectators gathered along the riverbank to witness the fireworks, which were synchronized to a classical music score for the festival finale.
- pyrotechnics
- illuminations
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2 angry arguments (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala situation where people show a lot of anger or have a loud, exciting argument.
a figurative reference to a display of intense temper, passion, or conflict between individuals.
ExampleThere were fireworks in the office today when the manager found out about the mistake.
ExampleThe board meeting promised fireworks as the two rival directors prepared to challenge each other's vision for the company's future.
From fire + work(s). The similarity with Dutch vuurwerk and German Feuerwerk, both “fireworks”, is hardly coincidental. Since the word was apparently first attested in English circa 1575, probably from the Dutch (1540), from the German (sense early 16th c.), from Middle High German viurwerc (14th c. as “fuel, firewood”). A spread from the south northwards is also in line with the fact that the first European fireworks were produced in Italy in the late 14th century.