a lick of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lick of flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or brief appearance of fire or flame, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As the candle flickered, I caught a glimpse of a lick of flame dancing in the darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A huge pair of red hands was cupping a lick of flame.

The Guardian - Books

She wanted to struggle, to reprimand, to complain, but he grabbed her face and kissed her so forcefully that a lick of flame burned her to the core.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Yoshida saw the wooden mission house — the only erect building in the area — go up in a lick of flame, and the heat was terrific on his face.

The New Yorker

And somewhere deep in the canopy, a shaggy little monkey with the blazing crimson head - the rare and radiant white uakari - lights up the flooded jungle like a lick of flame.

The Guardian - Travel

My friend (and presumably the conference attendees) has been keeping abreast of solar storms and other features of space weather for several years now, and is increasingly concerned that civilization is about to be destroyed by a lick of flame from the star that has always sustained us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At first it was like a quick lick of flames, but as she progressed, it felt as if she were holding a blowtorch to my skin.

The New York Times

It delivers a stream of feverish, oneiric visions, of apocalypse brought about through war or environmental catastrophe or the boundless human capacity for self‑deception and bedevilment; and everywhere there's the lick of flame – "it will be fire" is a recurring line.

The Guardian - Books

The friction eventually produced a little billowing cloud of smoke and then a few licks of flame in the withering light, just as the sun sank below a tree-lined ridge.

The New York Times - Travel

It is a lick of paint".

The Guardian - Film

Great art has felt the lick of flames before, but often by ransacking or accident.

The Economist

A black sun free-wheels through a violet, inky haze, propelled by licks of flame.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lick of flame" to poetically describe a small, quick burst of fire, either literally or metaphorically, to add vivid imagery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a lick of flame" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Its impact diminishes with overuse; vary your descriptions of fire with more literal or figurative language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lick of flame" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a small or brief instance of fire. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Science

3.33%

Encyclopedias

3.33%

Wiki

3.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lick of flame" is a grammatically sound and visually evocative noun phrase used to portray a brief, small instance of fire. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is suitable for use in writing. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is most frequently found in news, books, and travel contexts. When employing the term, consider its poetic quality and the imagery it evokes to ensure it aligns with your desired tone and avoids overuse. Alternatives include "a flicker of fire" or "a spark of fire", which offer similar yet distinct nuances. Overall, "a lick of flame" is a valuable addition to a writer's descriptive toolkit when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flicker of fire

Focuses on the brief, unsteady nature of the flame.

a spark of fire

Emphasizes the small, initial stage of the flame.

a touch of fire

Highlights the gentle or minimal presence of flame.

a burst of flame

Conveys a sudden and intense appearance of fire.

a flash of fire

Highlights the quick, transient nature of the flame's appearance.

a wisp of flame

Indicates a thin, delicate, and fleeting flame.

a hint of fire

Suggests a subtle or barely perceptible presence of flame.

a tongue of fire

Illustrates the shape and movement of the flame.

a trace of fire

Indicates a very small or residual amount of fire.

a breath of fire

Implies a gentle, almost imperceptible presence of flame.

FAQs

How can I use "a lick of flame" in a sentence?

You can use "a lick of flame" to describe a brief, small appearance of fire, either literally (e.g., "The candle showed "a lick of flame" before dying out") or metaphorically (e.g., "Jealousy showed "a lick of flame" in his eyes").

What are some alternatives to "a lick of flame"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a flicker of fire", "a spark of fire", or "a burst of flame".

Is "a lick of flame" a formal or informal expression?

"A lick of flame" is generally considered a neutral to slightly poetic expression, suitable for both formal and informal writing, though perhaps more common in creative or descriptive contexts rather than technical ones.

What imagery does "a lick of flame" evoke?

"A lick of flame" creates an image of something fleeting, quick, and potentially dangerous, like a small animal's tongue darting out. It emphasizes the brief and insubstantial nature of the fire.