take fire

Verb

take fire (third-person singular simple present takes fire, present participle taking fire, simple past took fire, past participle taken fire)

1. (dated) To catch fire; to begin to burn.

   Synonyms:

   go up in flames, catch fire, catch on fire, combust, conflagrate, fire, go up in smoke, ignite, light, spunk

2. (figuratively) To become excited or enthused about something.
3. (idiomatic) To be subjected to enemy attack with firearms; to be under fire.
   • The unit was taking fire from the guerrillas.
   • She took heavy fire from all quarters.