fire in the belly
4
6.6
- idiom
- Informal
:
fuego en el vientre
- She has a real fire in the belly that drives her to achieve her goals.
- got fire in the belly
- take fire in the belly
I mean, I have run across people who are very talented and don't have the fire in the belly to be successful.
- I mean, I have run across people who are very talented and don't have the fire in the belly to be successful.
- But you know, I think that's I think it's fire in the belly.
- And there's just something about those people that when they say that, it's just like fire in the belly.
Examples
-
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- President Barack Obama goes before the Democratic National Convention and the nation tonight for a capstone speech designed not just to persuade undecided voters to swing his way in a tight election but to put fire in the belly of his supporters.
Blog text (15) -
When Dr. Grandin talks in person, she doesn't mince words, and she speaks about this topic with the genuine fire in the belly of someone trying to jumpstart a movement.
Blog text (20) -
By God, I had fire in the belly to get to work at last.
Fiction book (1995) -
Because they totally lack the will, the passion, and the fire in the belly to fight, they have allowed America to die.
Blog text (1) -
You can call it a fire in the belly, you know, the sheer passion to get something done, absolutely to get it done.
-
I mean, I have run across people who are very talented and don't have the fire in the belly to be successful.
-
Barbour credits his decision to an uncertainty about the "fire in the belly" that he has for the job of President.
Blog text (24) -
I mean, where's the old fire in the belly, or doesn't anything have any value to you anymore?
-
I love that he takes the "principled stand" on many progressive issues, but does he have the fire in the belly to take the fight to the Republicans?
Blog text (29) -
In addressing clearly what may prove to be coordinated attacks by Islamists timed for the 9/11 anniversary, Romney showed courage, leadership, and the kind of "fire in the belly" I have been waiting to see.
Blog text (18)
Synonyms
463
2.5
A very strong feeling that makes someone act, like love or anger
313
5.8
Strong feeling of energy and passion
A strong inner feeling that makes someone want to do something
A strong desire to succeed
Antonyms
How Determined
3
6.0
142
3.0
190
3.4
- Informal
4
6.6
310
2.8
348
2.7
∞
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase pairs 'fire' (a common metaphor for passion or energy) with 'in the belly' (locating that energy internally), so a learner who knows the words can reasonably infer it refers to a strong internal drive or passion. However, the precise nuance of determination/ambition versus general enthusiasm is metaphorical and not fully predictable without exposure, so it is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Fire in the belly comes from the image of a fire burning in the belly, like a hot energy inside a person. That's why it means a strong 'determination' or 'passion' to do something.