set the world on fire

verb

To do something remarkable or sensational.

Similar
set the Thames on fire
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Meanings

verbset the world on fire (third-person singular simple present sets the world on fire, present participle setting the world on fire, simple past and past participle set the world on fire)

present singular third person sets the world on fire · participle present setting the world on fire

  1. idiomaticinformalTo do something remarkable or sensational.

    Tonight We are young. So let’s set the world on fire. We can burn brighter than the sun.

    2011, Fun, “We Are Young”

    Synonyms: set the Thames on fire

Synonyms & antonyms

verbTo do something remarkable or sensational.

Similar
set the Thames on fire
Also see
set the thames on fire

Origin

With reference to the Bible, the Gospel according to Luke, ch. 12, v.49 Lk.12.49

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Dutch de wereld met verbazing slaan
  • de wereld met verbazing slaando something sensational
Cite this entry
APA

set the world on fire. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/set%20the%20world%20on%20fire

MLA

“set the world on fire.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/set%20the%20world%20on%20fire. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “set the world on fire,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/set%20the%20world%20on%20fire.

Source: set the world on fire on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.