pull the fat from the fire

Definition & Meaning of "[pull] the fat from the fire"

to pull the fat from the fire

to save someone or something from a difficult or dangerous situation

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "pull the fat from the fire" can be traced back to medieval cooking practices. In those times, cooking was often done over an open flame, and as meat cooked, the fat would drip into the fire, causing flare-ups and potentially dangerous situations. To prevent these flare-ups, cooks had to be vigilant and skilled, and they would use long forks or hooks to "pull" the pieces of fat away from the fire. It is often used in both casual and formal conversations, as well as in written communication, to praise individuals who have displayed resourcefulness, courage, or skill in resolving urgent and potentially dire situations.

Example

The tech support team worked tirelessly to pull the fat from the fire and recover the company's critical data after a cyberattack.

In the midst of the storm, the coast guard's rescue team pulled the fat from the fire by saving the stranded sailors.

With their star player injured, the underdog team needed a miracle to win, and their rookie player pulled the fat from the fire with a last-minute, game-winning goal.