Hold your feet to the fire

Meaning

The idiom "hold your feet to the fire" means to be held accountable or responsible for one's actions, especially when faced with negative consequences. It is often used to describe someone who is trying to avoid responsibility or who is trying to delay or avoid taking action.

Usage

• The CEO of the company was holding her feet to the fire after several failed projects.
• The politician was under intense pressure to hold his feet to the fire and apologize for the mistake.
• The employee had been caught stealing supplies from the office, but he refused to hold his feet to the fire and admit guilt.
• The athlete was injured during a game and was unable to hold his feet to the fire and continue playing.
• The scientist had to hold her feet to the fire and present her findings in front of a skeptical audience.

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it may have come from the practice of holding someone's feet over an open flame as punishment for misbehavior or other wrongdoing. Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean holding oneself accountable for one's actions. The earliest known use of the idiom in print was in the 19th century, and it has since become a common expression used in various contexts.

Synonyms in English

• Hold yourself accountable
• Take responsibility
• Own up to your mistakes
• Apologize sincerely
• Acknowledge your faults

Synonyms in other languages

• En francais : "Tenir compte de ses responsabilités" (to hold oneself accountable)
• En español : "Tomar la responsabilidad" (to take responsibility)
• En italiano : "Assumere le responsabilità" (to assume responsibility)
• En português : "Tomar a responsabilidade" (to take responsibility)
• En arabe : "ربح الذي احدى له" (to hold oneself accountable for one's actions)

Similar Idioms

• honesty is the best policy

• hold tongue

• high time