get on like a house on fire

(Redirected from like a house on fire)

English

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Etymology

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By metaphor, reflecting the notion that housefires are archetypally roaringly quick and robust.

Pronunciation

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Verb

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get 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)

  1. (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.
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See also

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