What Does “get along like a house on fire” mean?
Definition:
If you get along/on like a house on fire with someone, you quickly become friends and like each other.
Origin
When a house is on fire, it burns quickly and vigorously. The phrase uses this metaphor to denote a quick establishment of a close friendship between two people.
One of the earliest uses of the phrase dates back to 1741 in the History of Frederick II by Thomas Carlyle.
Synonyms of the expression include:
– Get along famously.
– get on well.
– Be friendly.
– Be compatible.
To keep the flame or fire burning is a related phrase. It means to keep the magical feeling of connectedness and love for each other.
Using fire or flames to indicate love, closeness, or passion is common in English. For instance, the term “all fired up” refers to a feeling of excitement or passion about something. Another expression that refers to fire is to “light someone’s fire” referring to romantic or sexual arousal.
Example(s)
At first, they didn’t like each other but now they get on like a house on fire.
At the party, they got on like a house on fire and just ignored everyone else.
They were introduced to each other, had a few drinks, and got along like a house on fire.
