An alternative explanation for the origin of 'irons in the fire' relates to the battlefield surgeon, from at least medieval times, who kept a fire going with a number of different cauterising irons in it at all times. The irons were used to cauterise wounds and stop people bleeding to death. A surgeon with many irons in the fire was prepared to treat any size or shape of wound.
the original word for the metal came with the iron age more than 3000 years ago & meant holy or strong metal as compared to bronze the household appliance & laundry activity arent nearly so old tho
Having other ( or many ) irons in the fire means having alternative plans of action. Usually said when one plan is threatened with failure or frustration.
it means to be engaged in too many acticities.
You are in enough trouble as it is, so don't add fuel to the fire by saying that to her.
This idiom means: you are ready to fight with energy and determination for what you believe in.
"There's Too Many Irons in the Fire" is a common expression that means having too many tasks or responsibilities at once. It is difficult to pinpoint an exact date or origin for this phrase as it has been used for many years in various contexts.
Irons in the Fire was created on 1980-07-06.
Currently, I have several irons in the fire.
"Irons in the fire" refers to the Old West practice of branding -- you kept the branding irons hot by sticking one end into the fire. If you have too many irons in the fire, you've got too many things going on at once.
The origin is in firearms. Old guns used black powder instead of cartridges, and if you let your powder get wet, your gun would not fire.
Does it make sense? Yes, so it's not an idiom. It's a proverb.
Though I was unable to find out who created the phrase, I did find out some of it's history for you. One reference says it has to do with the blacksmith trade. A good blacksmith would have a skilled apprentice that would be able to juggle man projects at once. But an apprentice that became overwhelmed would be said to have, "Too many irons in the fire." This would be the mark of an inefficient blacksmith or useless apprentice. Such is the case when we use this term today. When someone becomes overwhelmed by too many tasks on the go or a particularly difficult task, they too are said to have "too many irons in the fire." This term originated in the 16th century. Source is quoted below if you want more information on this idiom.
the original word for the metal came with the iron age more than 3000 years ago & meant holy or strong metal as compared to bronze the household appliance & laundry activity arent nearly so old tho
This phrase is an idiom meaning that rumors or signs of trouble often indicate a real problem. It likely originated from the observation that smoke usually accompanies a fire, so where there is smoke, there is likely to be fire as well.
The correct idiom is "add fuel to the fire," which means to worsen a situation or make a conflict stronger by adding more tension or hostility. It is used to describe actions that exacerbate an already difficult or delicate situation.
Having other ( or many ) irons in the fire means having alternative plans of action. Usually said when one plan is threatened with failure or frustration.
Dog the Bounty Hunter - 2003 Irons in the Fire 3-26 was released on: USA: 10 October 2006