spread like wildfire spread like wildfire {v. phr.} To spread uncontrollably and rapidly. Bad news has a tendency to spread like wildfire. Categories: add yours add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: S Subscribe to: American Idioms► Also consider the parent subscriptions (3)Idioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Post my comment Post my comment