fireworks
fireworks — noun
1. small containers filled with chemicals that burn or explode with bright colored
small containers filled with chemicals that burn or explode with bright colored lights, loud bangs, and smoke when lit, used especially for celebrations.
João lit a string of fireworks that crackled and popped on New Year's Eve.
collocation: a string of fireworks
The shop near the train station sells fireworks for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Padma warned the children not to stand too close when the fireworks were lit.
The box of fireworks contained rockets, sparklers, and small firecrackers.
Handling fireworks without proper safety equipment can lead to serious injuries.
- firecrackers
specifically small paper tubes that explode loudly, a type of firework
- pyrotechnics
more formal and technical term for fireworks and their display
文法句型
always plural; can be used as a count noun in plural form
用法筆記
Always used in the plural form — there is no singular form ✗ 'a firework' in this sense, though you may hear 'a firecracker' or 'a rocket' for individual items.
常見錯誤
2. a public show in which fireworks are set off into the sky, usually to celebrate
a public show in which fireworks are set off into the sky, usually to celebrate a national holiday, festival, or special occasion.
The whole family went to watch the fireworks in the city park after dinner.
collocation: watch the fireworks
Thousands of people gathered at the waterfront for the spectacular fireworks.
The fireworks at the Mid-Autumn Festival lasted nearly thirty minutes.
Ava's favorite part of the evening was the fireworks bursting over the lake.
After the concert ended, everyone looked up to see the fireworks light up the sky.
- fireworks display
more explicit term for the organized show
- pyrotechnic display
formal or technical term
文法句型
always plural; typically used with definite article or possessive
用法筆記
When referring to the public event rather than the objects themselves, 'fireworks' is typically preceded by 'the' or a possessive adjective (e.g., 'the fireworks,' 'their fireworks').
3. an angry and exciting situation in which people argue, lose their temper, shout
an angry and exciting situation in which people argue, lose their temper, shout loudly at each other, or express strong disagreement and complaints.
There were fireworks at the meeting when the boss announced the salary cuts.
pattern: there were fireworks at [event]
Eitan expected real fireworks from his parents when they saw the broken fence.
The debate on the new policy produced fireworks that echoed through the hallway.
Layla knew there would be fireworks if her brother borrowed her car without asking again.
The committee meeting ended with true fireworks after the budget disagreement came up.
文法句型
always plural; typically used in 'there are/were fireworks' pattern
用法筆記
Frequently used in the construction 'there are/were fireworks' to predict or describe a conflict. The subject is typically a meeting, discussion, or family gathering.
4. strong feelings of romantic or physical attraction that two people feel for each
strong feelings of romantic or physical attraction that two people feel for each other, especially when they first meet.
There were instant fireworks between Hyun and Sade when they first met at the café.
pattern: there were fireworks between [two people]
Their relationship had real fireworks from the very first date they went on.
The chemistry between the two actors produced fireworks on the movie screen.
After a few months of dating, the initial fireworks began to fade between them.
Everyone at the wedding could see the fireworks between the bride and groom.
- coldness
lack of feeling or interest between people
文法句型
always plural; typically used in 'there are/were fireworks' pattern
用法筆記
Always plural and always figurative. The idiom suggests excitement and passion similar to literal fireworks. Distinguish from sense 3 (ANGRY CONFLICT), where the same 'fireworks' pattern refers to arguments rather than romantic chemistry.
5. an exciting, impressive, and eye-catching performance or event, especially in sp
an exciting, impressive, and eye-catching performance or event, especially in sports, music, or other entertainment.
The gymnast's final routine was pure fireworks, earning her a standing ovation from the crowd.
pattern: pure fireworks
The band's live show was fireworks from the first song to the very last encore.
The basketball game was fireworks in the final quarter as both teams scored heavily.
The fashion show produced real fireworks with its bold colours and dramatic lighting effects.
The chef's dessert course was fireworks of flavour that delighted every guest at the table.
- a tour de force
more formal term for an impressive performance
- a sensation
something that causes great excitement and interest
文法句型
always plural; used as a mass-like plural
用法筆記
This sense describes any performance or event as being intensely impressive rather than literally relating to fireworks. Common in sports commentary and entertainment reviews.