General
on fire
What does on fire mean?
Performing exceptionally, especially shooting, as though unable to miss.
"Leave him and he'll bury it — he's on fire tonight."
Origin
Metaphor popularized in basketball and cemented by NBA Jam's 'He's on fire!'
Frequently asked questions
What does on fire mean in basketball?
It means a player is performing so well, usually shooting, that they seem unable to miss.
Where did 'on fire' come from in basketball?
It's a hot-streak metaphor cemented in pop culture by the video game NBA Jam, whose announcer shouts 'He's on fire!'
What is the opposite of being on fire?
Being 'ice cold,' which means shooting terribly and unable to buy a basket.
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