"Puts match to" is a figurative phrase used to describe an action of setting fire to or igniting something, often intentionally. The term "puts" refers to the act of placing or initiating something, while "match" refers to a small stick coated in a combustible substance that can be lit to produce a flame.
When someone "puts a match to" something, they are deliberately lighting a matchstick to start a fire, typically with the intention of causing ignition or combustion. This phrase is often used metaphorically to convey the idea of initiating or instigating a process or event, particularly one that may have significant consequences or reactions.
The expression can also be used more broadly to describe the act of starting or triggering something, whether it be a physical fire or a metaphorical spark. It implies an intentional act of initiation, suggesting that the person involved is purposefully instigating a situation or event.
"Puts match to" can be employed in various contexts, such as when describing the starting of a riot or an uprising by an individual who "puts match to" public grievances. It can also apply to more lighthearted situations, such as when someone "puts match to" a candle or fireplace to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Overall, "puts match to" signifies the deliberate act of setting fire to something, either literally or metaphorically, to initiate a reaction or event.
