Fighting fire with fire
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The expression "fighting fire with fire" refers to meeting aggression with aggression. This expression also refers to the fact that fire is capable of putting out other fires under special circumstances.[1] Unfortunately, this method is rather dangerous because in metaphorical use, it can lead to a vicious cycle of retaliation and revenge, and in the physical context it can lead to getting blown up. Therefore, the only time it should be used is when water doesn't work[2], and there aren't any other clear options (such as snuffing the fire with sand or earth). In the metaphorical concept of these elements, water represents appeasement, while throwing earth on the fire would be similar to a non-aggression pact. The simplest means of snuffing fire is to remove the air.[3]
[edit] See Also
[edit] References
- ^ In a closed space, fire consumes oxygen, and the fire will forcibly put out another fire. Also, an explosive fire has enough force behind it to sometimes snuff a fire.
- ^ Such as when the fire is powerful enough to create a steam explosion or if it is an electrical fire
- ^ In military terms, this means destroying resources so the enemy lacks the ability to wage war. This option however is not always feasible, because it involves an extended campaign to deplete resources, in addition to a likely siege tactic.
