strike a match

strike a match

To light a match by forcefully rubbing the tip against a coarse surface. The explosion was caused by a worker who had struck a match near the gas leak. I'm really craving a cigarette, but I can't even strike a match with this blustery wind!

See also: match, strike

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

strike a match

to light a match by rubbing it on a rough surface. Mary struck a match and lit a candle. When Sally struck a match to light a cigarette, Jane said quickly, "No smoking, please."

See also: match, strike

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