“Fight fire with fire”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase fight fire with fire means to respond to a situation or problem using similar tactics or methods as the opponent or problem. It often implies using controversial or aggressive methods in response to such tactics from others.
Tone Aggressive
Where it comes from
The phrase originates from the literal practice of fighting fire with fire in wildfire control. Firefighters sometimes use controlled burns to create a firebreak, preventing the spread of a more massive wildfire.
Examples
- When the competing company started a smear campaign, we decided to fight fire with fire and launch our counter-campaign.
- In politics, they often fight fire with fire by matching their opponent’s aggressive strategies.
- To handle the bullies at school, he thought it best to fight fire with fire, even though the counselor advised against it.
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