Putting out fires
A firefighter attempts to control a blaze in Greece: Dimitri Messinis /AP Photo
Today's Phrase
The phrase putting out fires means dealing with many small problems, usually at work. Though the problems might be small, they need to be solved quickly before they become bigger ones.
Examples:
Sorry I didn't have time to meet you for lunch today. I was busy at work all day putting out fires.
Sometimes it feels like you get nothing done in the office – you need to spend the whole day putting out fires.
Sometimes it feels like you get nothing done in the office – you need to spend the whole day putting out fires.
Take note
To get on like a house on fire. If you say two people get on like a house on fire, it means they like each other and find it very easy to become friends – they get on very well together.
Example:
Phoebe and Alice get on like a house on fire. They share exactly the same sense of humour and are always joking and laughing together.
Interesting fact
London had no organised fire service until the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed most of the city. It spread easily because it happened during a long, hot and dry summer, and because most houses were built of wood. After this event the first fire services were set up, and more houses were built of brick.