get on like a house on fire

Meaning

To 'get on like a house on fire' (or 'get along like a house on fire' in American English) means to quickly build a very friendly, enthusiastic, and close relationship with someone. It implies that two people have an instant connection and enjoy each other's company immensely. The tone is highly positive and lively.

Examples

• I introduced my brother to my best friend, and they got on like a house on fire.

  I introduced my brother to my best friend, and they got on like a house on fire.

• Despite their different backgrounds, they got on like a house on fire from day one.

  Despite their different backgrounds, they got on like a house on fire from day one.

• I was worried about meeting my in-laws, but we got on like a house on fire.

  I was worried about meeting my in-laws, but we got on like a house on fire.

• The two kids met at the park and immediately got on like a house on fire.

  The two kids met at the park and immediately got on like a house on fire.

• We had never met before, but we ended up talking for hours and getting on like a house on fire.

  We had never met before, but we ended up talking for hours and getting on like a house on fire.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They got on like a burning house.

  ✓ They got on like a house on fire.

  This is a fixed idiom. Changing 'house on fire' to 'burning house' sounds unnatural and loses the idiomatic meaning.

• ✗ We got on like a house in fire.

  ✓ We got on like a house on fire.

  The correct preposition is 'on fire', indicating a house that is actively burning (rapidly and intensely, symbolizing the speed of the friendship).

Related Expressions

Practice

• I was nervous about the double date, but everyone ___.

  💡 Got along incredibly well and quickly.

  Show answer

  got on like a house on fire

• If you introduce them, I'm sure they will ___.

  💡 Become fast friends immediately.

  Show answer

  get on like a house on fire