glimpse of fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimpse of fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or fleeting sighting of flames or a fire, often evoking a sense of intrigue or danger. Example: "As we hiked through the forest, we caught a glimpse of fire flickering in the distance, a reminder of the campfire we had left behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Just as we were about to shut the closet door, I caught a glimpse of fire-engine red lace.

The New York Times - Style

Sharing the same stadium as Dodge, Weatherford caught a close glimpse of the fire Dodge was under.

The New York Times - Sports

We still get an occasional glimpse of the competitive fire, as when LeBron James was knocked down from behind Saturday by Tyson Chandler and Pat Riley leapt out of his seat across the court from the home-team bench.

The New York Times - Sports

If campaigns are about generating votes and televised debates reveal the true candidate, for the first time America may have seen a glimpse of the real fire inside both of these men in contrast from what we have seen before.

Huffington Post

friendlyfrivalry rivalry with Ellen DeGeneres has given "Ellen" viewers a glimpse of Obama's competitive fire in the form of on-screen contests such as who can do the most push-ups.

Los Angeles Times

Once on the Internet, I caught my first glimpse of the North Tower on fire, with smoke billowing from the top floors.

Huffington Post

He had a momentary glimpse of blood and bodies, smoke and fire before lapsing back into unconsciousness.

Independent

Excerpts have been heard at the New York City Opera's Vox festival and at Le Poisson Rouge, and Mr. Huang is offering another glimpse of the work, with his Ensemble FIRE and four singers — Jiang Fang-Tao, soprano; Laurence Broderick, tenor; Toby Newman, mezzo-soprano and Benjamin Bloomfield, bass-baritone.

The New York Times - Arts

In this paper, we reflect on the 12 years of workshop history and glimpse at the latest developments presented in 2015 in Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice.

Procedia Computer Science

A brilliant "ring of fire" has been spotted in deep space, giving astronomers a rare glimpse of a galaxy 12 billion light-years away.

Huffington Post

In general, the findings offer an interesting glimpse of the health of women in the fire service as a generally healthy occupational workforce with some unique health risk behavior challenges.

BMC Women's Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glimpse of fire" to describe a brief or partial sighting of flames or a conflagration. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest a fleeting indication of something intense or powerful, such as passion or conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of fire" repeatedly in descriptive passages where a more detailed or sustained observation is warranted. Opt for phrases that convey a more comprehensive view when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of fire" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'caught a "glimpse of fire"'). It describes a fleeting visual experience of something burning, or a metaphorical flash of intense emotion or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glimpse of fire" functions as a versatile noun phrase used to depict a quick, often intriguing, sighting of flames or, metaphorically, an intense emotion. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, making it apt for both literal and figurative descriptions. To enrich your writing, consider using it to add a touch of intensity or mystery, but be mindful of overuse, especially in scenarios needing more detailed descriptions. For semantic alternatives, you might consider "fleeting view of flames" or "hint of passion", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting view of flames

Focuses on the visual aspect and the transient nature of seeing fire.

brief look at conflagration

Uses more formal terms to describe the sighting of a large fire.

quick peek at inferno

Suggests a rapid and perhaps dangerous look at a large, uncontrolled fire.

momentary sighting of blaze

Emphasizes the brevity of the sighting and the intensity of the fire.

passing glance at burning

Highlights the action of burning and the swiftness of the observation.

hint of an ember's glow

Refers to a subtle, suggestive view of the glowing remnants of a fire.

trace of competitive spirit

Metaphorically refers to a small sign of intense rivalry or passion.

sign of underlying passion

Indicates a subtle manifestation of a deep, fervent emotion.

inkling of impending doom

Implies a slight sense or indication of a catastrophic event to come.

touch of inner strength

Suggests a small but noticeable amount of resilience or fortitude.

FAQs

How can I use "glimpse of fire" in a sentence?

You can use "glimpse of fire" to describe a quick or incomplete view of flames, or metaphorically to suggest a brief insight into something intense. For example, "He caught a "glimpse of fire" through the trees" or "The debate offered a "glimpse of fire" in the candidate's eyes".

What does "glimpse of fire" metaphorically mean?

Metaphorically, "glimpse of fire" can represent a fleeting sign of passion, anger, or conflict. It suggests a brief but intense manifestation of something powerful that is not necessarily a literal fire. For similar expressions, consider alternatives like "trace of passion" or "hint of conflict".

What can I say instead of "glimpse of fire"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "fleeting view of flames" (if describing an actual fire), "hint of passion" (if referring to a metaphorical fire), or "brief look at inferno" (if you want to evoke some dramatic effect).

Is "glimpse of fire" appropriate for formal writing?

While "glimpse of fire" is acceptable, consider the tone and context of your formal writing. In certain scenarios, a more precise or descriptive phrase might be preferred. For instance, in scientific writing, "observation of combustion" might be more suitable.