Meaning of spread like wildfire | Babel Free

Definitions

To spread or disseminate rapidly or uncontrollably.

intransitive

Equivalents

Examples

“The virus spread⟳ like⟳ wildfire throughout the Internet.”

“The propaganda of the rebels spread⟳ like⟳ wild-fire, and the hopes of the more daring Irish Catholics rose high.”

“"We can sense⟳ the tension in Perth," wrote the Scotsman, "when the news spread⟳ like⟳ wildfire that a runaway engine of ancient vintage was heading north without a soul on the footplate.”

“Inspired by Edith Piaf’s 1951 song of the same name⟳, Padam Padam is a reference to the sound⟳ of the human heartbeat, and has spread⟳ like⟳ wildfire thanks to its infectious nature and brevity (it clocks in at 2 mins, 46 seconds).”

“It became a popular garden plant⟳ in the 20th century, when a Chinese variant (Buddleia Davidii ^([sic])) was introduced. That's when the trouble⟳ started. The plant⟳ has spread⟳ like⟳ wildfire since. Its fast-growing invasive nature and survivability is a huge problem for the railways, as (left alone) it can cause serious, expensive damage⟳ to structures, block⟳ drivers sightlines, or pose a risk⟳ to lineside workers.”

CEFR level