flame up
Definition
Verb: 1. To burn suddenly and brightly: To ignite or begin burning with increased intensity and visible fire. 2. To erupt with strong emotion: To suddenly become very angry, agitated, or passionate.
Usage
The verb "flame up" describes a sudden, often dramatic, increase in the intensity of a fire or a comparable emotional state. It implies a transition from a lower state to a higher, more visible, and potentially volatile one.
Examples
- Literal (Fire):
- The dry leaves flamed up instantly when the match touched them.
- After adding more wood, the campfire flamed up, casting long shadows.
- Figurative (Emotion):
- His temper flamed up when he heard the unfair accusation.
- Old resentments can flame up during family arguments.
Advanced Usage
- "to flame up into (something)": To develop suddenly and intensely into a specific state.
- A minor disagreement flamed up into a major conflict.
- Her cheeks flamed up into a bright red blush.
Variants and Related Words
- Flare up (phrasal verb): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "flame up," especially for emotions and conflicts.
- Flame (noun/verb): The basic word for the visible, gaseous part of a fire.
- Blaze (verb): To burn brightly and strongly.
Synonyms
- Erupt: To burst out suddenly.
- Ignite: To catch fire; to provoke a strong reaction.
- Flash: To occur or appear suddenly and briefly.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Flare up: (See 'Variants and Related Words' above).
Related Idioms
- To go up in flames: To be destroyed by fire; to fail completely and dramatically.
- Their business plan went up in flames after the market crash.
Verb
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burn brightly
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Every star seemed to flare with new intensity
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