firework
explosive device for colored displays
A small thing that explodes in the sky and makes bright lights and loud sounds for fun, usually at parties or festivals.
a [firework]; [someone] sets off [fireworks]
- People were setting off fireworks in the street after the team won.
- The child covered his ears when the firework exploded overhead.
- She bought a box of fireworks for the New Year's party.
- The last firework burst into a huge golden star in the sky.
- We watched the fireworks in the dark sky.
- He lit the firework and ran back quickly.
- They used many red and green fireworks at the festival.
- This firework is very loud, so be careful.
public show using many fireworks
A public show where people set off many fireworks for others to watch.
a [firework] display; watch the [fireworks]
- We went to the river to watch the fireworks after the concert.
- The city's New Year's fireworks could be seen from kilometers away.
- Thousands of people gathered in the park for the fireworks.
- The fireworks over the harbor lasted almost half an hour.
- We will see the fireworks tonight.
- The town has fireworks every New Year.
- Many people came to watch the fireworks in the park.
- They canceled the fireworks because of the storm.
loud, angry argument or trouble
A time when people suddenly get very angry and shout or argue a lot.
there are [fireworks]; expect [fireworks]
- There were fireworks at the meeting when the budget cuts were announced.
- If he finds out you lied, there will be fireworks.
- The debate started politely but soon turned into political fireworks.
- You could feel the emotional fireworks when the two ex‑partners met again.
- There were fireworks when the boss heard the news.
- If she sees this mess, there will be fireworks.
- The talk was calm at first, but then there were fireworks.
- He enjoys watching the fireworks when other people fight.
brilliant or flashy display of skill
A very exciting and showy performance or use of skill that makes people say "wow."
[adjective] fireworks; a display of [fireworks]
- The play had plenty of verbal fireworks but not much story.
- The pianist's performance was full of musical fireworks.
- The debate promised intellectual fireworks but was actually rather slow.
- The comedian delivered an hour of comic fireworks that kept everyone laughing.
- The singer's show was all fireworks and big dances.
- The movie has some visual fireworks but a weak story.
- His talk had no fireworks, but the ideas were good.
- Fans want more fireworks from the team this season.
- Base: firework
- Plural: fireworks
fireworks display
1public show of fireworks
An organized event where people set off many fireworks so that others can watch and enjoy them.
- The city is hosting a huge fireworks display on New Year's Eve.
- We arrived early to get a good spot for the fireworks display.
- The fireworks display over the lake lasted for twenty minutes.
let off fireworks
1cause fireworks to explode
To make fireworks explode, usually as part of a celebration.
- They let off fireworks in the town square after midnight.
- Many fans let off fireworks outside the stadium.
- You're not allowed to let off fireworks near the hospital.
set off fireworks
1ignite fireworks so they explode
To light fireworks so that they explode and make lights and sounds.
- People were setting off fireworks in the street after the game.
- We usually set off fireworks in the backyard on New Year's Eve.
- It's illegal to set off fireworks in this area without a permit.
there will be fireworks
1there will be anger and conflict
Used to say that people will become very angry and there will be a big argument or trouble.
- If he finds out you spent that money, there will be fireworks.
- There will be fireworks at the meeting when they hear the new plan.
- Tell her the truth now, or there will be fireworks later.
watch the fireworks
1watch others argue or clash
To stay back and look at a big argument or dramatic situation between other people, often because it is interesting or entertaining.
- He just sat back and watched the fireworks as his colleagues argued.
- I'm not getting involved; I'll stay here and watch the fireworks.
- The journalists watched the fireworks between the two candidates on stage.