pull someone’s bacon out of the fire: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pull someone's bacon out of the fire’ mean?
***The idiom "pull someone's bacon out of the fire" refers to rescuing or saving someone from a difficult or dangerous situation.***
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "save someone's skin" means to rescue or protect someone from danger or harm.
The idiom "save someone's face" means to protect someone's reputation or dignity by preventing them from feeling embarrassment or humiliation.
The idiom "put someone out of their misery" means to end someone's suffering or discomfort, particularly when they are experiencing a difficult or painful situation. It implies a compassionate or merciful act of helping someone escape from their distress.
The idiom *pull the trigger* means to make a decision or take action, especially when it involves something significant or irreversible.
The idiom "pull the rug out from under" means to unexpectedly remove support or stability from someone or something, causing them to fail or be in a state of confusion.
The idiom "pull someone's leg" means to play a practical joke or tease someone in a light-hearted way, often by making them believe something that is not true.
The idiom "pull out of the hat" means to produce something unexpectedly or miraculously, often to solve a problem or save a situation, as if performing a magic trick.
The idiom "pull out of the fire" means to save or rescue someone or something from danger or a difficult situation.
The idiom "pull one's socks up" means to make an effort to improve or do better in a particular situation.
Rescuing in Desperate Times
The idiom "pull someone's bacon out of the fire" has its roots in the English language. It is commonly used in the United States and is an idiomatic expression with a figurative meaning. It is derived from the literal act of saving someone from a dangerous or difficult situation, thereby rescuing them from potential harm or failure.
This idiom can be related to other idioms such as "pull out of the fire" and "come to someone's rescue." These idioms all express the idea of providing assistance or support to someone in a predicament. They all highlight the importance of helping others and preventing them from facing negative consequences.
While the exact origin of this idiom is unclear, it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. It may have originated from the common association of bacon with sustenance and survival, as well as the cultural significance of bacon as a prized food item.
The idiom "pull someone's bacon out of the fire" has become a well-known and frequently used phrase in the English language. It is often employed in informal conversations, storytelling, and various written contexts to illustrate acts of rescue or assistance.
Overall, this idiom encapsulates the idea of intervening and offering aid to someone in need, ultimately saving them from the negative consequences they would have otherwise faced. It highlights the significance of supporting and helping others, emphasizing the positive impact that can result from such actions.
As with many idioms, this phrase invites exploration and interpretation, encouraging us to delve deeper into the intricacies of the English language and its rich tapestry of idiomatic expressions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *pull someone's bacon out of the fire* can be used in a sentence are:
1. Despite being on the verge of bankruptcy, John's friend managed to pull his bacon out of the fire by giving him a substantial loan.
2. The team was losing in the final minutes of the game, but their star player scored a last-minute goal that pulled their bacon out of the fire and secured the win.
3. In a tight deadline situation, Sarah's colleague went above and beyond to finish the project on time and pulled her bacon out of the fire.
More "Rescues" idioms
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