PhrasesHub

spread like wildfire

    Definitions

      • rapid dissemination
        To describe how something, typically information or a trend, is quickly and widely circulated or adopted

    Examples of spread like wildfire

    • News of the company's new product spread like wildfire as soon as it was announced at the annual trade show.

      The "spread like wildfire" idiom is used here to describe how quickly the news of the company's new product spread throughout the industry and among potential customers. The use of the wildfire metaphor highlights the rapid and often uncontrollable spread of information in modern times.

    • The rumor that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were getting a divorce set the tabloid world ablaze and spread like wildfire on social media within hours.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe how quickly and widely a celebrity scandal can spread through media outlets and online platforms. The use of the fire metaphor underscores the intensity and passion that can surround such controversies.

    • The virus spread like wildfire through the school, infecting dozens of students within days.

      This example employs the idiom to convey the spread of a contagious disease in a school setting. The use of the wildfire metaphor emphasizes the rapid and exponential nature of the virus's spread, and the potential for it to cause widespread harm.

    • The story of the teacher who went above and beyond for her students went viral and spread like wildfire, inspiring similar acts of kindness across the country.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe how a heartwarming story of a teacher's selflessness and dedication catalyzed a viral trend on social media. The use of the wildfire metaphor underscores the contagious and inspiring nature of positive stories and acts of generosity.

    • The news about the company's new product spread like wildfire through social media.

      This example shows how quickly information can spread when it goes viral on social media, often spreading rapidly and widely, much like wildfires can quickly burn out of control.

    • Rumors about the upcoming election spread like wildfire through the small town, causing panic and uncertainty among the residents.

      This example shows how rumors can spread quickly through a community, much like wildfires can spread through dense forests, causing widespread panic and fear.

    • The popularity of the new fad diet spread like wildfire among health-conscious individuals, prompting a surge in sales for health food stores.

      This example illustrates how quickly trends and fads can spread through communities, much like wildfires can quickly consume an area, causing widespread interest and popularity.

    • The outbreak of the contagious disease spread like wildfire through the hospital, causing chaos and danger for both patients and staff.

      This example shows how rapidly diseases and viruses can spread through populations, much like wildfires can spread quickly through vulnerable environments, causing widespread danger and chaos.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "spread like wildfire" is commonly used to convey the idea of something rapidly and uncontrollably disseminating or gaining popularity. It can be used in various contexts, such as the rapid spread of a contagious disease, the swift dissemination of news or rumors, or the quick adoption of a trend or idea. The phrase is often used to emphasize the speed and wide reach of the dissemination, highlighting the lack of control or containment.

    Origin of "spread like wildfire"

    The origin of the idiom "spread like wildfire" can be traced back to the image of a wildfire, which is known for its rapid and uncontrollable spread. The use of the word "wildfire" in the idiom emphasizes the uncontrolled and swift nature of the dissemination. The phrase likely originated from the observation of actual wildfires and was later applied metaphorically to describe the rapid spread of other phenomena. The image of a wildfire spreading quickly and uncontrollably has become a powerful metaphor for describing the rapid dissemination of information or trends in various contexts.

    Overall, the idiom "spread like wildfire" is a vivid and evocative expression that effectively conveys the idea of rapid and uncontrollable dissemination. Its origin in the imagery of a wildfire underscores the speed and wide reach of the spread, making it a memorable and impactful phrase in English language.