catch fire
/kætʃ faɪər/
Meaning
To start burning or ignite. It can also be used figuratively to describe something that suddenly becomes very popular, interesting, or successful.
Examples
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The dry grass caught fire after someone dropped a lighted match.
The dry grass caught fire after someone dropped a lighted match.
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Be careful with that candle; the curtain might catch fire.
Be careful with that candle; the curtain might catch fire.
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Her new book didn't catch fire until it was featured on a popular podcast.
Her new book didn't catch fire until it was featured on a popular podcast.
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The engine caught fire, but luckily the driver got out safely.
The engine caught fire, but luckily the driver got out safely.
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The trend of making sourdough bread caught fire during the lockdown.
The trend of making sourdough bread caught fire during the lockdown.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The house caught a fire.
✓ The house caught fire.
'Catch fire' is a set collocation and does not take an article ('a').
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✗ The wood was caught fire easily.
✓ The wood caught fire easily.
'Catch fire' is an active verb phrase, not passive.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Keep those papers away from the stove, or they might ___.
💡 Start burning.
Show answer
catch fire
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The new dance challenge on social media quickly ___.
💡 Became very popular (past tense).
Show answer
caught fire