Feuer mit Feuer bekämpfen

/ˈfɔʏɐ̯ mɪt ˈfɔʏɐ̯ bəˈkɛmp͡fn̩/

phrase★Intermediate— to fight fire with fire◆idiom

◆ What It Really Means

To confront or counter an aggressive or hostile action with a similar or stronger response, often as a defensive or strategic move.

¶ Literal Meaning

To fight fire with fire (literally using fire to extinguish fire).

Literal Breakdown

Feuerfire+mitwith+Feuerfire+bekämpfento fight

◇ Mental Image

The mental image is of using fire to combat fire, which can be counterintuitive but is sometimes effective in firefighting.

◈ When to Use

A company might decide to 'fight fire with fire' by launching a competing product to counter a rival's market dominance.

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase reflects a pragmatic approach to conflict, acknowledging that sometimes the best defense is a strong offense.

informal

To respond to aggression or hostility with equal or greater force, often as a strategic or defensive measure.

Die Regierung beschloss, die Terroranschläge mit Feuer mit Feuer zu bekämpfen.

The government decided to fight terrorism with fire with fire.

💡

This idiom is often used metaphorically to describe confronting a problem or opponent with the same tactics they use.

Synonyms

mit gleicher Münze zurückzahlen Gegenfeuer geben

Antonyms

nachgeben verhandeln

Related Phrases

Gegenfeuer gebenidiom

to return fire

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

This phrase is often used in discussions about conflict resolution, military strategy, or competitive situations.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from the literal practice of using controlled burns to stop wildfires, which was a common firefighting technique in the past.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, particularly in discussions about conflict, strategy, or self-defense.

Word Breakdown

Feuer

fire

root

mit

with

preposition

bekämpfen

to fight

verb

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