light a fire under

English

Etymology

Referring to a time when, if chimney sweeps were afraid to ascend a chimney, the fire would be lit under them in order to motivate them to climb to the top.

Verb

light a fire under (someone)

  1. (idiomatic) To motivate or encourage (someone) to start sooner or move faster.
    Let me see if I can light a fire under the waiter to get our order sooner.
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