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to spread like wildfire
01
(of news, information, or rumors) to quickly become known by the majority
![to [spread] like wildfire definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44800/original/?type=jpeg "to [spread] like wildfire definition and meaning")
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "spread like wildfire" and when to use it?
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.
02
(of a disease or infection) to quickly pass from one person to another
![to [spread] like wildfire definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/27694/original/?type=jpeg "to [spread] like wildfire definition and meaning")
Example
The rumor about their breakup spread like wildfire, causing quite a buzz.
Once one child in the school has the infection, it spreads like wildfire.
The false reports were spreading like wildfire before they were debunked.
The news of the scandal spread like wildfire throughout the company.
The news of the celebrity's divorce spread like wildfire, and within hours, it was on everybody's lips.
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