[Idiom] HOLD FEET TO THE FIRE. - Phrases for Accountability and Pressure
Hold feet to the fire.
To pressure someone to fulfill a commitment.
To "hold feet to the fire" means to hold someone accountable or to pressure them to meet their obligations or commitments. It involves ensuring that someone follows through with their promises, often through persistent reminders or applying pressure. This idiom derives from a grim medieval torture method, emphasizing the severity of the pressure or accountability involved.
Example Sentences
The boss is going to hold his feet to the fire until he completes the project.
The boss will apply pressure on him until the project is completed.
If you don't meet your sales targets, upper management will hold your feet to the fire.
If sales targets are not met, upper management will apply pressure.
During the negotiation, they held his feet to the fire, insisting he agree to their terms before ending the discussion.
During the negotiation, they pressured him to agree to their terms before concluding.