burning bush
- noun
:
bush de fuego
- The garden was vibrant with the bright red leaves of the burning bush in the autumn sunlight.
Examples
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Boston ivy, burning bush, maple, chestnut, and barberry are popular choices for those who want to enjoy a spectacular fall bloom.
Blog text (21) -
There is the occasional bright garnet red of the burning bush.
Blog text (21) -
Many landscapers choose the burning bush for its striking foliage that stands out in the fall.
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In the park, the burning bush added a splash of color among the otherwise dull winter scenery.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A small shrub that loses its leaves and has bright, colorful fruit
A small bush from eastern North America with purple fruit and red seeds
A bushy shrub from Asia with corky, winged stems and bright red autumn leaves
How Ornamental
1
4.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound literally combines 'burning' + 'bush', so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer it refers to a bush associated with burning or flammable properties, giving a clear partial clue to its meaning. However, the specific botanical sense (a particular Eurasian herb that emits flammable vapour) and cultural/biblical nuances are not fully predictable from the constituents alone, so the expression is not fully transparent.
Etymology
Burning bush is a garden shrub whose leaves turn very bright red or orange in autumn. The bright color looks like flames on a bush, so people call it a 'burning bush' today.