[spread] like wildfire
1
(of news, information, or rumors) to quickly become known by the majority
The idiom "spread like wildfire" likely originated from observations of how wildfires rapidly and uncontrollably expand and consume large areas of land. This expression is used to highlight the speed and wide reach of the spread of something, particularly rumors or news, much like how a wildfire can quickly engulf an entire area.
- The news of the scandal spread like wildfire throughout the company.
- Word of the upcoming sale spread like wildfire among bargain hunters.
- The rumor about their breakup spread like wildfire, causing quite a buzz.
- In the age of the internet, information can spread like wildfire, both true and false.
- The false reports were spreading like wildfire before they were debunked.
2
(of a disease or infection) to quickly pass from one person to another
- Once one child in the school has the infection, it spreads like wildfire.