smoldering fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smoldering fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fire that is burning slowly with smoke but little flame, often indicating a lingering heat or unresolved situation. Example: "The campfire had turned into a smoldering fire by the time we returned, leaving behind only a faint glow and the smell of smoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The militias are like a smoldering fire.

The New York Times

"It's a smoldering fire underground that always breaks out again".

The New York Times

The smoldering fire went unnoticed because the employees skipped a company-required fire patrol, prosecutors said.

The New York Times

A Strauss soprano of potentially historic distinction, she succeeded in embodying the elusive spirit of the composer — a smoldering fire — which few of his contemporaries saw.

The New Yorker

Still, the smoldering fire continued to raise the temperature in the room, bringing furniture, papers and candles close to their ignition points.

The New York Times - Science

The room appeared to erupt into flames -- a phenomenon called "flashover" -- as the smoldering fire revived and, in rapid succession, papers, candles and other furnishings ignited.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Smoldering fires.

The New York Times

By writing the journal, O'Connor hoped to rekindle smoldering fires: "My attention is always very fugitive.

The New Yorker

There are two types of smoke detectors: ionization, which responds to fast, flaming fires, and photoelectric, which detects smoldering fires.

The New York Times

Feminism is as central to "Brick Lane" as the tensions within its immigrant community, which increase after the destruction of the World Trade Center fuels smoldering fires.

The New York Times - Books

The meat is then treated with liquid smoke (a flavoring derived from natural smoke) or smoked over smoldering fires of natural hardwood chips.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smoldering fire" to describe situations where a problem or conflict is present but not openly expressed or actively addressed. It implies a potential for sudden escalation or renewed intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "smoldering fire" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem cliché. Opt for more literal descriptions when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smoldering fire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically. It typically serves to describe a situation, emotion, or conflict that is not immediately apparent but has the potential to become intense or destructive. As Ludwig shows, the phrase can be used in a number of situations both literal and figurative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smoldering fire" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe both literal and figurative situations where something is suppressed but potentially explosive. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing its application across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. The phrase functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, often serving to warn or highlight potential danger. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more direct language when appropriate. Related phrases like "simmering anger" or "latent conflict" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smoldering resentment

Focuses specifically on resentment that is not openly expressed but still present and potentially harmful, very similar to a "smoldering fire".

simmering anger

Emphasizes the suppressed and potentially eruptive emotion, like a "smoldering fire" ready to ignite.

underlying tension

Highlights the unresolved and potentially explosive nature, akin to the suppressed heat of a "smoldering fire".

unresolved problem

Emphasizes the lack of resolution, suggesting that the issue continues to exist and could cause trouble later, much like a "smoldering fire".

latent conflict

Refers to a conflict that exists but is not yet active or visible, similar to the hidden aspect of a smoldering fire.

dormant issue

Indicates a problem that is currently inactive but could resurface, comparable to a "smoldering fire" that can reignite.

underlying problem

Highlights the existence of a problem that is not immediately obvious but is still present, akin to the hidden nature of a "smoldering fire".

lingering resentment

Focuses on the emotional aspect, suggesting a persistent negative feeling that could flare up, similar to a "smoldering fire".

contained crisis

Suggests a crisis that is currently under control but has the potential to escalate, similar to the controlled but dangerous nature of a "smoldering fire".

suppressed emotions

Highlights the act of keeping emotions hidden, which can build up like a "smoldering fire".

FAQs

How can I use "smoldering fire" in a sentence?

You can use "smoldering fire" to describe a conflict or problem that is not openly active but has the potential to erupt. For example: "The peace treaty was fragile, with "underlying tension" like a "smoldering fire" ready to ignite at any moment."

What are some alternatives to "smoldering fire"?

Some alternatives include "simmering anger", "latent conflict", or "underlying problem". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "smoldering fire" a literal or figurative expression?

"Smoldering fire" can be literal when describing an actual fire burning without flames, but it's often used figuratively to describe hidden emotions or unresolved conflicts.

What's the difference between "smoldering fire" and "raging fire"?

A "smoldering fire" implies a hidden or suppressed issue that may not be immediately apparent, while a "raging fire" suggests an open, active, and intense conflict or problem.