moth

drawn like a moth to a flame

Fig. attracted [to someone or some event] instinctively or very strongly, as a moth is drawn to the light of a flame. Customers were drawn to the sale like a moth to aflame. They came from all over and bought up everything in the store.

See also: drawn, flame, like

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like moths to a flame  (literary)

if people gather round someone like moths to a flame, they try to be near someone who seems very attractive or very interesting

Usage notes: Moths are small flying insects that are attracted to bright light.

I never understood why people flocked around him like moths to a flame.

See also: flame, like