| 单词 | to set the thames on fire |
| 释义 | > as lemmasto set the Thames on fire k. to set the Thames on fire: to do something (impossibly) marvellous or impressive; to work wonders; to distinguish oneself. Also as the type of an impossible task. Chiefly in negative contexts. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > fame or renown > famous or eminent person > be or become eminent [verb (intransitive)] shinec900 to get (also make) oneself a nameOE blazea1387 flourisha1387 resound1562 to fame ita1625 to make a noise in the world1662 to make (familiarly to cut) a figure1691 to set the Thames on fire1720 star1815 lionize1834 to make a name for oneself1997 1720 Field cleared of Noble Stand iv. 23 An Outcry which could scarce have been greater or more ridiculous, if the Noble Stand had been reported to have run away with the monument, or set the Thames on fire. 1791 Eng. Freeholder No. 21. 82 The man, whoever he may be, that discovers the longitude, or sets the Thames on fire, will be thought, perhaps, a much more ingenious man than the departed author of those sage and salutary maxims. 1858 A. Trollope Three Clerks I. vii. 127 When Sir Gregory..declared that Mr. Fidus Neverbend would never set the Thames on fire, he meant to express his opinion that that gentleman was a fool. 1883 M. Oliphant Hester III. iv. 75 I might have stood out against Harry, who will never set the Thames on fire; till you came down upon me with your heavy guns. 1959 M. Spark Memento Mori (1961) 10 A lady who once set the whole of the literary world (if not the Thames) on fire. 1987 Observer 18 Jan. 7/2 Wiseacres behind their Smoking Room scotches said that ‘George will never set the Thames on fire,’ but, after Heseltine, who needed to warm their hands? 2006 Hosp. Doctor 29 June 18 The man in charge of NHS reform is Lord Warner... Safe, plodding but never going to set the Thames on fire. < as lemmas |
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