play with fire
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play with fire
To do something that risks causing one harm, damage, or misfortune; to do something dangerous. They're playing with fire if they think they can get away with dodging these corporate taxes. Jen swears she's being safe when she experiments with drugs, but I think she's playing with fire.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
play with fire
1. Lit. to use fire as a toy; to experiment with flames and fire. Jimmy! I've told you never to play with fire!
2. Fig. to do something dangerous or risky. (Usually playing with fire.) Be careful with that knife! You are playing with fire! If you mess with Max, you are playing with fire.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
play with fire
Take part in a dangerous undertaking, as in You're playing with fire if you go behind his back and commit his department. Although the idea behind this metaphor is ancient, it was first recorded only in 1655.
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.
play with fire
take foolish risks.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
play with ˈfire
take unnecessary and dangerous risks: Be very careful, Mike. You’re playing with fire. ♢ If you ask me she’s playing with fire, getting involved with a married man.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
play with fire
in. to do something dangerous or risky. Going out at night in a neighborhood like that is playing with fire.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
play with fire
To take part in a dangerous or risky undertaking.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
play with fire, to
To court danger. This metaphor has been around for hundreds of years. Poet Henry Vaughan put it this way in 1655 (The Garland): “I played with fire, did counsell spurn . . . But never thought that fire would burn.”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer