set the world on fire

set the world on fire

To do wonderful or exciting things that cause a great or remarkable sensation in the world; to become extremely popular, famous, renowned, etc. Often used in the negative to indicate the opposite. I wouldn't be too concerned with what he thinks of you. For all his money and education, he's hardly setting the world on fire, is he? As a girl, Janet dreamed of setting the world on fire as a famous actress.

See also: fire, on, set, world

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

set the world on fire

Fig. to do exciting things that bring fame and glory. (Frequently with the negative.) I'm not very ambitious. I don't want to set the world on fire. You don't have to set the world on fire. Just do a good job.

See also: fire, on, set, world

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

set the world on fire

Perform an outstanding feat and win fame, as in An ambitious man, he longed to set the world on fire with his inventions. This hyperbolic expression uses set on fire in the sense of "arouse excitement in." Also see set on fire, def. 2.

See also: fire, on, set, world

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.

not set the world on fire

or

not set the world alight

If someone or something does not set the world on fire or does not set the world alight, they do not cause great excitement or interest. The 29-year-old Frenchman hasn't exactly set the tennis world on fire. The series isn't setting the world alight, despite some good writing and solid performances.

See also: fire, not, on, set, world

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

not/never set the ˈworld on fire

(British English also not/never set the ˈThames on fire) (informal) never do anything exciting, unusual or wonderful: He’s good, but he’ll never set the world on fire. He’s not dynamic enough.

The Thames is the large river that runs through London.

See also: fire, never, not, on, set, world

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017