noun a person's feet being held close to a fire as a form of punishment or coercion
Politicians often hold their opponents' feet to the fire during debates or investigations to pressure them into revealing information or taking a certain stance.
Shareholders may hold a company's feet to the fire by demanding transparency and accountability in its operations.
Lawyers may hold a witness's feet to the fire during cross-examination to challenge their testimony or credibility.
Journalists may hold a public figure's feet to the fire by asking tough questions or investigating their actions to hold them accountable.
Activists may hold a government or organization's feet to the fire by organizing protests or campaigns to demand change or justice.
In a professional setting, a writer may use the phrase 'hold someone's feet to the fire' to describe the act of holding someone accountable for their actions or decisions, often in a challenging or confrontational manner.
A psychologist may use this phrase to refer to the process of encouraging a client to face difficult truths or confront uncomfortable emotions in order to facilitate personal growth and change.
A manager may use this expression to describe the act of holding employees accountable for meeting deadlines, achieving goals, or adhering to company policies and procedures.
In a legal context, a lawyer may use this phrase to describe the act of pressuring an individual or organization to provide truthful information or evidence in a legal proceeding.