← Back to collection
Region: General | Usage example: Quitting the job without a backup just put him out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire

Meaning

Escape one bad situation only to enter a worse one.

Usage

Warns that a new choice may increase risk.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

A proverb comparing heat levels in cooking to danger.

Recorded in English proverbs by the 1600s.

Related Idioms

Out of the fire and into the frying pan

Escape one danger only to land in another.

Fight fire with fire

Respond to an attack with similar tactics.

Add fuel to the fire

Make an already tense situation worse.

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.