Set the Thames on fire
to do something extraordinary or remarkable (often used ironically)
Set the Thames on fire
to do something extraordinary or remarkable (often used ironically)
Learning Progress
Examples
"Colonization of planet Mars is like setting the Thames on fire — a huge, unprecedented feat."
"He won't set the Thames on fire with his performance, but it will be solid."
Mnemonic Trick
British idiom: doing something so remarkable it would 'set' the famous Thames ablaze.
Cultural Context
Often used ironically to downplay expectations.
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