Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

irons in the fire

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.32 in modern English

Syllables: iron-s in the -fire
IPA

20

Scrabble Score

14

Letters

3

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Tasks in progress; involvement in ongoing projects.

Example Sentences

"Although she plans to step back from the boards of NSAR and East West Rail, there are "a couple of other irons in the fire"."
"“Hippo, what are you working on? I've noticed you haven't debuted anything in a while, so it must be pretty good.” “What? Wh-why would I tell you that? I don't answer to you. I have a lot of irons in the fire. In fact, I should check on 'em. I'm checking on my irons!”"

Etymology

Describing a blacksmith working on several pieces at the same time.

Phrases

have one's fingers in many pies spin plates too many balls in the air wear too many hats

Frequently Paired Words

have one's fingers in many pies spin plates too many balls in the air wear too many hats

Questions

What does irons in the fire mean?: Tasks in progress; involvement in ongoing projects.
Where does irons in the fire come from?: Describing a blacksmith working on several pieces at the same time.

How to pronounce irons in the fire

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