← Back to collection
Region: General | Usage example: Quitting the job without another offer felt like out of the fire and into the frying pan.

Out of the fire and into the frying pan

Meaning

Escape one danger only to land in another.

Usage

Used when problems worsen after an attempted escape.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Ancient Greek fables about escaping danger only to face worse.

Adopted into English through translation of Aesop.

Related Idioms

Out of the frying pan and into the fire

Escape one bad situation only to enter a worse one.

Fight fire with fire

Respond to an attack with similar tactics.

Set the world on fire

Do something remarkable or highly successful.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.