stir the embers: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stir the embers’ mean?
The idiom "stir the embers" means to revive old feelings or memories, often in order to rekindle a relationship or spark a discussion.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *the feathers fly* means a situation where there is a lot of noise, conflict, or commotion, usually resulting in a heated argument or fight.
The idiom "temper temper" is an admonishment or warning to someone who is losing their patience or becoming angry, implying that they should calm down or control their emotions.
The idiom "sweep someone off their feet" means to completely charm or impress someone, often leading them to quickly form an intense romantic attraction or emotional connection.
"Strike a chord" is an idiom that means to evoke a strong emotional response or resonate with someone. It can refer to a song, a speech, or any form of expression that deeply impacts or connects with people on an emotional level.
The idiom "straw that stirs the drink" refers to someone or something that has a significant influence or control over a situation or group of people.
The idiom "stir shit" means to purposely create trouble or provoke conflict by saying or doing something provocative or controversial.
The idiom "stew in one's juices" means to be left alone with one's thoughts or feelings, usually in a state of anger or frustration.
The idiom "stem the tide" means to stop or slow down the flow or progress of something, often a negative or undesirable situation.
This idiom means to begin with a fresh start or a new approach, without any preconceived notions or biases from the past.
FAIL
The idiom "stir the embers" is a figurative expression that is used to revive or rekindle something that has lost its intensity or was thought to be extinguished - similar to how kindling is used to start a fire or cause a stir.
The phrase "stir" is a verb that means to mix or agitate something to distribute its contents evenly, whether that be a pot of soup or emotions and memories.
"Embers" refer to the glowing remains of a fire after the flames have died down. They represent the residual heat and potential for fire, symbolizing a situation or emotion that still has some life or potential despite appearing to be fading or extinguished. This makes it similar to how stirring the embers can kindle a fire or even a coal.
When combined as the idiom "stir the embers," it refers to the act of rekindling or revitalizing something that may have been forgotten, neglected, or no longer seemed significant - similar to how stirring up trouble can cause a stir.
In a figurative sense, "stir the embers" can describe reviving a relationship, renewing interest or enthusiasm in a project, or arousing old memories and emotions - much like how stirring the embers can stir some s**t, figuratively speaking. It suggests the possibility of bringing back the intensity or passion that was once present, even if it had faded over time.
This idiom is often used in a positive context, highlighting the potential for rekindling positive experiences, emotions, or relationships. It conveys a sense of hope and opportunity for renewal, emphasizing the power of taking action to revive something that may have been overlooked or forgotten - similar to how stirring the embers can cause a stir.
While the idiom "stir the embers" may seem straightforward in its meaning, it also leaves room for interpretation and introspection. The idea of stirring something that appears to be dying or extinguished can evoke thoughts and emotions, raising questions about the value of nostalgia, the role of effort in maintaining relationships, and the significance of acknowledging and addressing "embers" in various aspects of life - similar to how stirring the embers can kindle-fire and kindle-coal.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "stir the embers" can be used in a sentence:
- He decided to stir the embers of their friendship by reaching out to his old college roommate.
- The CEO's speech at the company retreat was meant to stir the embers of motivation among the employees.
- After years of being dormant, the controversy surrounding the political scandal was reignited, stirring the embers of public interest.
More "Fire" idioms
