Get on like a house on fire
Meaning: To get along extremely well immediately
British expression for getting along brilliantly from the first meeting. The fire metaphor suggests rapid, intense connection.
Examples
- They got on like a house on fire. 他们一拍即合。Se llevaron de maravilla.彼らは意気投合した。그들은 금방 의기투합했어.
- We got on like a house on fire from day one. 我们从第一天就一拍即合。Nos llevamos de maravilla desde el primer día.初日から意気投合した。첫날부터 아주 잘 맞았어.
- The kids got on like a house on fire. 孩子们相处得特别好。Los niños se llevaron de maravilla.子供たちはすぐに仲良くなった。아이들이 금방 친해졌어.
- Really got on like a house on fire.真的一拍即合。Realmente se llevaron de maravilla.本当に意気投合した。정말 의기투합했어.
Pronunciation
/ɡet ɒn laɪk ə haʊs ɒn faɪər/
Usage Guide
Context: friendship, meeting people, relationships
Tone: enthusiastic, positive
✓ Do Say
- Got on like a house on fire.一拍即合Se llevaron de maravilla意気投合した금방 의기투합했다.
- Getting on like a house on fire.相处得很好Llevarse de maravilla意気投合している의기투합하고 있다.
- We really get on.我们真的很合得来Realmente nos llevamos bien本当にうまくいっている우리는 정말 잘 맞아.
✗ Don't Say
- Very British expression非常英式的表达Expresión muy británicaとてもイギリス的な表現매우 영국적인 표현
- Enthusiastic热情洋溢Entusiasta熱狂的열정적인 뉘앙스
Common Mistakes
- British expression
- Fire = rapid, not destructive
Origin & History
British expression from 18th century—a house fire spreads quickly, like instant friendship.
Etymology: From rapid spread of fire = rapid bonding
First recorded: British idiom from 18th century
Cultural Context
Era: 18th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Common British expression; Friendship idiom
Regional notes: British primarily. Americans may not know it.
Variations
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