Meaning & use
walking through fire
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Meanings
phraseidiomfigurative
Facing extreme danger or hardship, often to achieve something or help someone.
Grammar: Used figuratively; often followed by 'for someone' to show who benefits.
Patterns
- walking through fire for someone
- walk through fire to do something
She would walk through fire for her children.
He walked through fire to get the job done, working day and night.
Their friendship was so strong they'd walk through fire for each other.
phraseintransitive
The literal act of walking on hot coals or through flames, often as a test of courage or faith.
Grammar: No object; used in descriptions of rituals or stunts.
Patterns
- walking through fire as a ritual
- walk through fire barefoot
The festival includes walking through fire as a test of faith.
Firewalkers practice walking through fire without getting burned.
Common combinations
- walk through fire for someone
- I would walk through fire for my best friend.
- walking through fire and water
- He went walking through fire and water to save the company.
- walk through fire to achieve a goal
- She walked through fire to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
Synonyms and how they differ
- go through hell
- Stronger and more negative; emphasizes suffering rather than courage.
- move heaven and earth
- Means to do everything possible; focuses on effort, not danger.
Commonly confused: walking through fire or walk on fire?
walking through fire vs walk on fire
Usually refers to the literal act of firewalking; 'walk through fire' is more often figurative.
Practice
In the sentence 'He would walk through fire for his family,' what does 'walk through fire' mean?
Choose one answer.
Here the phrase is figurative, showing extreme devotion. The other options are literal or unrelated.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “walking through fire”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.