Feuer und Flamme sein

/ˈfɔɪ̯ɐ ʊnt ˈflamə zaɪ̯n/idiom
to be very enthusiastic or excited about something

Sie ist Feuer und Flamme für ihr neues Projekt.

She is very excited about her new project.


What It Really Means
To be extremely enthusiastic or passionate about something.
Literal Meaning
To be fire and flame (literally, to be on fire and in flames).
Literal Breakdown
Feuerfire+undand+Flammeflame+seinto be
Mental Image
The metaphor of fire and flames conveys intense energy, passion, and excitement, as fire is a powerful and dynamic force.
When to Use
A friend is describing their excitement about a new job opportunity: 'Ich bin Feuer und Flamme für diese Stelle!' (I'm really excited about this position!).
Cultural Note
This idiom is widely used in German to express strong enthusiasm, reflecting the cultural value of passion and dedication in personal and professional pursuits.
informal

To be extremely enthusiastic, passionate, or excited about something.

Er ist Feuer und Flamme für den neuen Film.

He is really excited about the new movie.

Die Kinder waren Feuer und Flamme für den Ausflug.

The children were thrilled about the trip.

This idiom is often used to describe someone's strong enthusiasm or excitement about a particular activity, idea, or project.

Related Phrases

mit Feuereifer bei der Sache seinidiom
to be very enthusiastic and committed to something

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this idiom when describing someone's strong excitement or passion for something, especially in informal conversations.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While this idiom is expressive, avoid using it too frequently in formal settings, as it can sound overly casual.

Word Origin

The phrase combines 'Feuer' (fire) and 'Flamme' (flame) to metaphorically represent intense passion or excitement, as fire and flames are powerful and energetic.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to express strong enthusiasm. It can be applied to various situations, such as work, hobbies, or personal interests.

Word Breakdown

Feuer
fire
root
+
und
and
conjunction
+
Flamme
flame
root
+
sein
to be
verb
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