English
editEtymology
editBy metaphor, reflecting the notion that housefires are archetypally roaringly quick and robust.
Pronunciation
editAudio (General Australian): (file)
Verb
editget on like a house on fire (third-person singular simple present gets on like a house on fire, present participle getting on like a house on fire, simple past got on like a house on fire, past participle (UK) got on like a house on fire or (US) gotten on like a house on fire)
- (simile) To immediately start a good relationship with someone.
- Those two met last Saturday at the party, and because they were both into juggling they got on like a house on fire.
- 2022 November 16, Paul Bigland, “From rural branches to high-speed arteries”, in RAIL, number 970, page 52:
- They've obviously never met before, but are getting on like a house on fire. Both are well-spoken and versed in the Queen's English.