PhrasesHub

Spread like a wildfire

    Definitions

      • rapid dissemination
        Refers to something, like news or gossip, spreading quickly and widely

      • exponential growth
        Describes the rapid and uncontrollable expansion of something

    Examples of Spread like a wildfire

    • News of the company's success spread like a wildfire, attracting investors and media attention from all over the world.

      The use of "spread like a wildfire" in this context means that the news of the company's success spread rapidly and intensely, much like a wildfire spreads quickly through dry vegetation.

    • Rumors about the celebrity's divorce spread like a wildfire on social media, causing a frenzy among fans and paparazzi alike.

      Here, the use of "spread like a wildfire" refers to how quickly and widely rumors about the celebrity's divorce spread on social media platforms, just as a wildfire quickly engulfs an area.

    • His infectious laughter spread like a wildfire through the party, filling the room with joy and laughter.

      In this example, "spread like a wildfire" is used to denote how the sound of his laughter spread quickly and contagiously through the party, much like a wildfire spreads through dry grasses.

    • Fear and panic spread like a wildfire through the crowd, causing chaos and confusion in the wake of the unexpected tragedy.

      Here, the use of "spread like a wildfire" implies how quickly and forcefully fear and panic can spread through a group of people, much like a wildfire can quickly consume an area.

    • The news about the company's merger spread like a wildfire through the business community.

      This idiom is used to describe how quickly and widely news or information spreads, just like a wildfire spreads rapidly through a forest or terrain. In this example, the news about the company's merger spread very quickly and widely throughout the business community.

    • The rumor that the celebrities were dating spread like a wildfire on social media.

      Here, the idiom is used to illustrate how quickly and easily a rumor or piece of gossip can spread through social media platforms like wildfire. In this context, the rumor about the celebrities dating went viral on social media and spread rapidly and widely, just like a wildfire would spread through a forest.

    • The success of the product was met with enthusiasm that spread like a wildfire.

      This idiomatic expression is used to convey the rapid and contagious spread of excitement and enthusiasm about a product or idea. Just like a wildfire spreads rapidly through a forest, the success of the product was widely embraced and celebrated with fervor and passion.

    • The epidemic of fake news spread like a wildfire on the internet, fueling confusion and mistrust.

      This expression is used to describe how rapidly false information can spread on the internet, causing chaos and confusion. This idiom highlights how quickly disinformation and misinformation can spread through online platforms, just like a wildfire spreads through a forest. The resultant spread leads to distrust and uncertainty, similar to the way a wildfire can lead to destruction and loss.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "spread like a wildfire" is used to describe the rapid and widespread dissemination or growth of something. It is often used to convey the idea of something quickly and uncontrollably spreading across a large area or group of people. This can refer to anything from information or news to a viral outbreak or a popular trend.

    The phrase is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, and it effectively captures the idea of something spreading rapidly and extensively. It can be used to emphasize the speed and extent of a phenomenon, and it often conveys a sense of urgency or lack of control.

    Origin of "Spread like a wildfire"

    The origin of the idiom "spread like a wildfire" can be traced back to the literal spread of wildfires. Wildfires are known for their rapid and uncontrollable expansion, often covering large areas in a short period of time. The phrase likely originated from observations of the destructive and fast-spreading nature of wildfires.

    The use of "wildfire" in the idiom emphasizes the speed and uncontrollable nature of the spread, and it has been adapted to describe the rapid dissemination or growth of various other phenomena. The imagery of a wildfire serves as a powerful metaphor for the swift and widespread nature of the phenomenon being described.

    Examples:

    • The rumor about the company's layoffs spread like a wildfire through the office.
    • The video of the adorable puppy has spread like a wildfire on social media.