make the sparks fly
1. To cause disruption, confusion, or turmoil. The CEO's resignation made the sparks fly in the media about the tech giant's future. My mom will make the sparks fly if she finds out we took her car without asking.
2. To do or attempt something with great energy, enthusiasm, and skill. The team's quarterback really made the sparks fly on Sunday, making over 30 completed passes for four touchdowns and running for a total of 250 yards all by himself.
3. To create a lot of tension between two or more people, especially that which is of a sexual or romantic nature. The two TV presenters have clashing personalities that really make the sparks fly no matter what they're talking about. It's part of why their show is so popular. We've got some tips for date nights with your significant other that will really make the sparks fly!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
make the sparks fly
Start a fight or argument, as in If Mary finds out he went to the races without her, that will make the sparks fly. In this idiom, the small particles of a fire called sparks are transferred to an inflammatory situation. [Early 1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.