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Glite Dictionary
to set the Thames on fire

to set the Thames on fire

9.9
To cause great excitement or a big effect, often said to mean something is not impressive
  • idiom
  • Archaic
translation icon : no causar gran impacto
  • Despite the hype, the film failed to set the Thames on fire at the box office.

Examples

  • Her early work did not set the Thames on fire, but she gained recognition over time.

  • Critics agree that the new policy won't exactly set the Thames on fire.

  • Although the book was well-written, it didn't set the Thames on fire in the publishing world.

  • Don't set the Thames on fire!

  • His performance didn't set the Thames on fire.

  • Although the presentation was informative, it didn't set the Thames on fire among the audience.

  • Many believe that the recent changes to the company will not set the Thames on fire in terms of performance.

Synonyms

to make a splash
vsto set the Thames on fire
11 3.9

Get a lot of attention in an exciting way

is often used ironically to downplay long term importance
to set the world on fire
vsto set the Thames on fire
  • Informal
4 7.1

To have a big success that many people notice

is often used to say the same thing ironically or as not very impressive
to spark a firestorm
vsto set the Thames on fire
1 7.0

To cause many people to show strong public anger or criticism

focuses on high excitement but can be ironic or not impressive
to create quite a sensation
vsto set the Thames on fire
1 5.6

To cause a lot of public interest and excitement

is often used more as talk than true lasting achievement
to burn the roof down
vsto set the Thames on fire
  • Informal
8.7

Make a party very lively and exciting

means strong excitement but often used sarcastically for little real impact

How Impressive

to set the Thames on fire
  • Archaic
9.9
to impact
255 3.4
unnoticed
57 2.5

Surface Forms

set the Thames on fire infinitive
set the Thames on fire past
set the Thames on fire past participle
setting the Thames on fire present participle
sets the Thames on fire third person singular

Morphology

set + the + Thames + on + fire

Although 'set ... on fire' has a partly transparent metaphorical sense of causing excitement or a big effect, the specific wording 'the Thames' is a culturally specific hyperbole and the idiomatic nuance (often ironic: 'won't set the Thames on fire') is not fully predictable from the parts. A B1 learner who knows the words might guess a figurative sense but would likely be uncertain about the exact meaning and pragmatic use without prior exposure.

Etymology

The idiom set the Thames on fire may come from the vivid image of lighting the great River Thames on fire, something huge and shocking to imagine. So the phrase means 'to cause a lot of excitement', and is often used with 'won't' to say something is 'not very impressive'.