Wildfire - See spread like wildfire.
Spread like Wildfire
Definition:
To spread rapidly and uncontrollably, like a wildfire tearing through a forest. This phrase highlights the phenomenon where news, rumors, or trends gain momentum and expand quickly among the public.
Idioms & Related Phrases:
- Catch fire: To suddenly become exciting or energizing.
- Go viral: Content that quickly becomes popular and widely shared, especially on social media.
- Break like a fever: Rapidly escalating intensity or interest.
- Run rampant: To exist or spread unchecked.
- Burst into flames: To ignite suddenly and intensely.
Synonyms:
- Proliferate
- Multiply swiftly
- Escalate quickly
Antonyms:
- Fade out
- Dwindle away
- Linger slowly
Humor-filled Quote:
“Rumors, like wildfires, start with a flicker, but give it some oxygen, and everyone’s adding fuel to the fire.” 🔥
Proverbs:
- “A spark neglected makes a mighty fire.”
- “Small news keep creating big waves.”
Literature, Books, Songs, and Movies:
- Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - Explores themes of control and the wildfire spread of ideas.
- Song: “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel - Reflects historical events spreading like wildfire through time.
- Poetry: “Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost – Discusses the destructive potential of fire-like passion.
- Movie: Backdraft (1991) – Demonstrates the literal and metaphorical wildfires that can affect lives.
Inspirational Thought 💭:
“Remember, bad news can often spread like wildfire, but so can good deeds. When in doubt, be the spark that ignites positive change instead of panic.” – Blaze Wordsworth
### Which phrase means something spreads very quickly?
- [x] Spread like wildfire
- [ ] Spread like algae on a rock
- [ ] Spread like molasses on a cool day
- [ ] Spread like concrete
> **Explanation:** "Spread like wildfire" indicates rapid and uncontrollable spread, unlike the slow pace of algae, molasses, or concrete.
### What is an antonym of "spread like wildfire"?
- [ ] Proliferate
- [ ] Escalate quickly
- [x] Fade out
- [ ] Multiply swiftly
> **Explanation:** "Fade out" is the process of something diminishing gradually, the opposite of spreading rapidly and uncontrollably.
### Which term refers to rapidly shared online content?
- [ ] Catch fire
- [x] Go viral
- [ ] Run rampant
- [ ] Burst into flames
> **Explanation:** "Go viral" specifically describes content that rapidly gets popular on the internet, akin to wildfire in the digital realm.
### True or False: "Wildfire" in idiomatic use always implies something negative
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While a wildfire as literally something destructive, an idiomatic "wildfire" can be positive or negative, depending on the context of what is spreading.
### Which of the following is NOT similar to "spread like wildfire"?
- [ ] Go viral
- [ ] Catch fire
- [ ] Burst into flames
- [x] Fade into obscurity
> **Explanation:** "Fade into obscurity" means to gradually disappear and become unnoticed, contrasting the rapid spread that "spread like wildfire" suggests.
“Until we meet again, may your ideas spread like wildfire, engulfing minds and hearts with positivity and inspiration!”
— Blaze Wordsworth, 2023
