fire-irons
Definition
Noun (plural): A set of metal tools used for tending a fire in a fireplace or hearth. Typically includes a poker, shovel, tongs, and sometimes a brush or stand.
Usage Examples
- (The set of tools for managing the fire.)
- (The tools for tending the fire.)
Advanced Usage
"to lay out the fire-irons": to arrange the tools in a specific order for convenience.
- Before lighting the fire, she laid out the fire-irons on the hearth. (She placed the tools ready for use.)
"fire-irons set": a matching collection of these tools, often decorative.
- The antique fire-irons set was a family heirloom. (The matching tools were passed down through generations.)
Variants and Related Words
Fireplace (n): a structure made of brick or stone for containing a fire.
- The fireplace was adorned with a set of brass fire-irons. (The hearth had brass tools.)
Fire-tending (adj): relating to the care of a fire.
- Fire-tending duties include using the fire-irons. (Tasks for maintaining the fire.)
Synonyms
- Hearth tools: tools used for a fireplace.
- Fireplace implements: tools for managing a fire.
Related Idioms
"to poke the fire": to use the poker (part of fire-irons) to stir the fire.
- He poked the fire with the fire-irons to revive the flames. (He stirred the fire to make it burn brighter.)
"to rake the ashes": to use the shovel (part of fire-irons) to remove ash.
- She raked the ashes out of the fireplace with the fire-irons. (She cleaned the hearth using the tools.)