informal 10K+

Irons in the fire

🇬🇧 UK //ˈaɪənz ɪn ðə faɪə// 🇺🇸 US //ˈaɪərnz ɪn ðə faɪər//

Meaning of Irons in the fire

Having many ongoing projects or tasks at the same time.

In simple words: Many projects or plans being worked on at the same time

Irons in the fire in a sentence

• She has several irons in the fire, including her job and volunteer work.
• With all the irons in the fire, it's hard to focus on just one thing.
• He likes to keep his irons in the fire to ensure he always has options.
• They have too many irons in the fire this quarter, which is causing stress.
• Managing multiple irons in the fire can be challenging, but rewarding.

How to use Irons in the fire

Use this idiom in casual conversations to express being busy with various activities. Avoid in formal writing or speeches.

Grammar pattern

standalone idiom

Memory hint

Imagine a blacksmith juggling several hot irons to remember this phrase.

Related words

Collocations with Irons in the fire

• keep your irons in the fire
• have many irons in the fire
• manage your irons in the fire

Synonyms for Irons in the fire

• multiple projects
• various plans
• several activities

Common mistakes with Irons in the fire

• Using it in a formal context
• Misremembering it as 'iron in the fire'
• Confusing it with similar idioms like 'more than one string to your bow'

Frequently asked questions about Irons in the fire

What does Irons in the fire mean?

Many projects or plans being worked on at the same time

What is the definition of Irons in the fire?

Having many ongoing projects or tasks at the same time.

How do you use Irons in the fire in a sentence?

She has several irons in the fire, including her job and volunteer work.

Can you give another example of Irons in the fire?

With all the irons in the fire, it's hard to focus on just one thing.

What are synonyms for Irons in the fire?

Common alternatives include multiple projects, various plans, several activities.

What words go with Irons in the fire?

It commonly pairs with keep your irons in the fire, have many irons in the fire, manage your irons in the fire.

What are common mistakes when using Irons in the fire?

Using it in a formal context Misremembering it as 'iron in the fire' Confusing it with similar idioms like 'more than one string to your bow'

How do you pronounce Irons in the fire?

US: //ˈaɪərnz ɪn ðə faɪər//, UK: //ˈaɪənz ɪn ðə faɪə//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Irons in the fire formal or informal?

"Irons in the fire" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Irons in the fire?

Use this idiom in casual conversations to express being busy with various activities. Avoid in formal writing or speeches.