fireworks

A family watches the fireworks light up the night sky.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Explosive devices for entertainment: "fireworks" are small, combustible devices that produce colorful displays of light, smoke, and noise, typically used during celebrations or public events.
   • A display of anger or excitement: "fireworks" can metaphorically refer to an outburst of strong emotion, especially anger or intense argument.
   • A spectacular or impressive performance: "fireworks" can describe a dazzling, energetic, or dramatic show or event.

Usage Examples

• Explosive devices:

  • The city launched a magnificent display of fireworks on New Year's Eve. (A public show of colorful explosions.)
  • Children should never handle fireworks without adult supervision. (The devices themselves.)

• Metaphorical uses:

  • There were fireworks at the meeting when the two managers disagreed. (A heated argument or conflict.)
  • The singer's performance was pure fireworks — the audience cheered for minutes. (A stunning, exciting show.)

Advanced Usage

• "to let off fireworks": to set off fireworks physically.

  • We let off fireworks in the backyard to celebrate the holiday. (We ignited them.)

• "fireworks in the sky": a literal description of a pyrotechnic display.

  • The fireworks in the sky lit up the entire harbor. (The explosions in the air.)

• "sparks and fireworks": a phrase emphasizing the visual and emotional intensity of a situation.

  • Their relationship was full of sparks and fireworks from the start. (Passion and drama.)

Variants and Related Words

• Firework (singular noun): a single explosive device.

  • A single firework can produce a beautiful burst of color. (One unit.)

• Firework display (compound noun): an organized show of fireworks.

  • The firework display lasted for twenty minutes. (The event.)

• Pyrotechnics (noun): the art or science of making fireworks.

  • The pyrotechnics team designed a complex show. (The technical aspect.)

Synonyms

• Explosives: devices that burst with noise and light.
• Sparklers: handheld fireworks that emit sparks.
• Pyrotechnics: formal term for fireworks or their production.
• Outburst (metaphorical): a sudden display of anger or emotion.

Phrasal Verbs

• Go off (like fireworks): to explode or become very active.

  • The argument went off like fireworks, with everyone shouting. (Erupted suddenly.)

• Set off (fireworks): to ignite or cause to explode.

  • They set off fireworks to mark the victory. (They launched them.)

Related Idioms

• "Fireworks in the sky": a literal description of a pyrotechnic display.

  • The night was filled with fireworks in the sky. (Explosions above.)

• "All fireworks and no substance": something that is spectacular but lacks depth.

  • His speech was all fireworks and no substance — just flashy promises. (Showy but empty.)

• "To see fireworks": to witness a dramatic or angry confrontation.

  • I stayed late to see the fireworks when the boss found out. (The conflict.)