The phrase "caught on fire" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /kɔːt ɒn faɪə/ in British English or /kɔːt ɑːn faɪr/ in American English. The word "caught" is pronounced with an open back unrounded vowel /ɔː/, followed by a voiceless dental plosive /t/. The preposition "on" is pronounced with an open back rounded vowel /ɒ/ in British English or an open central unrounded vowel /ɑ/ in American English. The verb "fire" is pronounced with a diphthong /aɪ/ followed by a voiced alveolar approximant /r/.
The phrase "caught on fire" refers to the event when something ignites and begins to burn or blaze, typically as a result of a combustion process. It implies that flames have engulfed the object or entity, resulting in it being set ablaze. This expression is commonly used to describe a situation where an object, substance, or structure has become the source or victim of a fire. For instance, if a building, vehicle, or house catches on fire, it means that flames have emerged from it, causing it to burn and potentially sustain significant damage.
The phrase can also be metaphorically used in non-literal contexts to describe a sudden surge or explosive growth in popularity or interest among a group of people. In this connotation, "caught on fire" implies that a particular trend, idea, or concept has quickly gained attention or become widely popular, spreading rapidly through individuals or communities. It suggests a metaphorical passion or spark that quickly captures people's attention and generates enthusiasm.
Overall, "caught on fire" encompasses both the literal sense of an object or structure being ignited and consumed by flames as well as a figurative sense of something gaining exponential popularity or fervor among people.