get on like a house on fire

English

Etymology

By metaphor, reflecting the notion that housefires are archetypally roaringly quick and robust.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Verb

get on like a house on fire (third-person singular simple present gets on like a house on fire, present participle getting on like a house on fire, simple past got on like a house on fire, past participle (UK) got on like a house on fire or (US) gotten on like a house on fire)

1. (simile) To immediately start a good relationship with someone.

   Those two met last Saturday at the party, and because they were both into juggling they got on like a house on fire.

   • 2022 November 16, Paul Bigland, “From rural branches to high-speed arteries”, in RAIL, number 970, page 52:

     They've obviously never met before, but are getting on like a house on fire. Both are well-spoken and versed in the Queen's English.

Related terms

• like a house afire

See also

• get along like nobody's business
• hit it off